CVE-2019-2221 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Android has a vulnerability in the hasActivityInVisibleTask method that could lead to local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction. This affects Android versions up to Android-10.

Understanding CVE-2019-2221

This CVE involves a loophole in the WindowProcessController.java file that mishandles top activities in the INITIALIZING state, potentially allowing privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2019-2221?

The vulnerability in hasActivityInVisibleTask in WindowProcessController.java could be exploited to escalate privileges locally without needing additional execution privileges. User interaction is not necessary for an attacker to exploit this flaw.

The Impact of CVE-2019-2221

The vulnerability poses a risk of local escalation of privilege on Android devices running versions up to Android-10. Attackers could bypass user interaction requirements, leading to potential security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-2221

The technical aspects of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The hasActivityInVisibleTask method in WindowProcessController.java has a loophole that mishandles top activities in the INITIALIZING state.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Android
Versions: Android-10

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges locally without the need for additional execution privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-2221, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by the vendor.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Android operating system to the latest version.
Implement security best practices to prevent privilege escalation attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from Android to patch vulnerabilities promptly.