CVE-2021-1005 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2021
In getDeviceIdWithFeature of PhoneInterfaceManager.java, there is a possible way to determine whether an app is installed, without query permissions, due to side channel information disclosure. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-12Android ID: A-186530889
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2021
This vulnerability resides in the Android system's PhoneInterfaceManager component where the getDeviceIdWithFeature method inadvertently exposes information through side channel attacks. The flaw allows malicious applications to determine the presence of other applications on the device without requiring any special permissions or user interaction. This represents a significant privacy and security concern as it enables unauthorized enumeration of installed applications through indirect means. The vulnerability affects Android 12 systems and is identified by Android ID A-186530889, demonstrating how seemingly benign system functionality can be exploited for information gathering purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the way PhoneInterfaceManager handles device identifier requests when specific features are queried. When an application calls getDeviceIdWithFeature, the system's response time or error handling behavior varies depending on whether the target application is installed. This timing variation or response difference creates a side channel that can be exploited by an attacker to infer application installation status. The flaw is classified under CWE-200 as Information Exposure Through Side Channels, where system behavior reveals sensitive information about the device state. The vulnerability operates without requiring any additional privileges beyond normal application execution, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any application running on the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application enumeration, as it provides attackers with valuable information about the target device's application landscape. This information can be used for further attacks, such as targeted malware delivery or social engineering campaigns that leverage knowledge of installed applications. Attackers can potentially identify devices running specific applications, which may contain known vulnerabilities or be of particular interest for exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1069.001 for Permission Groups and T1592 for Gather Victim Host Information, as it enables adversaries to collect detailed information about the target system's configuration and installed software without direct access or elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on modifying the system's response behavior to eliminate timing variations or information leakage during feature query operations. Android security updates typically address such issues by implementing more uniform error handling and response times regardless of application installation status. Organizations should ensure their Android devices are updated to the latest security patches, as Google has addressed this vulnerability in subsequent Android releases. Additionally, application developers should consider implementing runtime checks and monitoring for suspicious behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves standardizing system responses to prevent side channel information disclosure while maintaining the intended functionality of the device identifier feature.