CVE-2019-9463 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Platform, there is a possible bypass of user interaction requirements due to background app interception. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-113584607
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9463 resides within the Android platform's security architecture, specifically targeting the user interaction requirements that are typically necessary for privilege escalation attacks. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the operating system's permission model and background process management mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from how the system handles background application interception, creating an unintended pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal user consent procedures that should normally be required for privilege elevation. The issue affects Android 10 and is catalogued under Android ID A-113584607, indicating its significance within the platform's security framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the platform's background app interception logic where applications running in the background can potentially intercept and manipulate user interaction events without proper authorization. This allows for a scenario where an attacker-controlled application can simulate user interactions or intercept legitimate user input to perform actions that would normally require explicit user confirmation. The underlying mechanism appears to involve improper validation of background process privileges and insufficient sandboxing between foreground and background applications. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and CWE-250, which covers execution with unnecessary privileges, both of which are fundamental security principles in software development.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9463 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Android's security model that could enable attackers to gain unauthorized system-level access. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially execute malicious code with elevated privileges, access sensitive user data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within the device. The requirement for user interaction to trigger the exploit adds a layer of complexity to the attack surface, yet the vulnerability's existence means that even legitimate user interactions could be subverted by malicious applications. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level and could affect all applications running on the device, not just specific third-party software.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. The attack chain would typically begin with the installation of a malicious application that leverages the background interception capabilities, followed by the exploitation of the privilege escalation mechanism. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of mobile threat modeling and incident response planning, as it could be used to establish persistent access to devices. The mitigation strategy should involve immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, combined with user education about application permissions and the importance of only installing software from trusted sources. Organizations should also implement mobile device management policies that restrict background application capabilities and monitor for suspicious privilege escalation activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of insufficient background process isolation in mobile operating systems.