CVE-2019-2000 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In several functions of binder.c, there is possible memory corruption due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: Android kernel. Android ID: A-120025789.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2000 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the Android kernel's binder driver implementation. This issue resides in the binder.c source file where multiple functions exhibit problematic memory management patterns that can result in use-after-free conditions. The binder driver serves as a fundamental component for inter-process communication within Android systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the core operating system functionality. The flaw allows for local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, which significantly reduces the attack surface and increases the exploitability potential.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the kernel's binder subsystem. When certain functions process communication requests, they may free memory resources while still maintaining references to them, creating opportunities for subsequent operations to access already freed memory locations. This use-after-free condition can be exploited to overwrite critical kernel data structures or execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel specifically and is tracked under Android ID A-120025789, indicating its classification within the Android security framework. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2000 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected Android device. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables unauthorized users to gain root-level access, allowing them to modify system files, install malicious applications, access sensitive data, and potentially compromise the entire device. This is particularly concerning given that no user interaction is required for exploitation, meaning the vulnerability can be triggered automatically without any user awareness or consent. The local nature of the exploit means that attackers do not need network connectivity or external attack vectors, making the vulnerability highly persistent and difficult to detect. The impact is especially severe for devices running affected kernel versions, as the exploit can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors or exfiltrate data from the device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2000 primarily focus on timely patching and system updates from Android vendors. Device manufacturers and security teams should prioritize applying the relevant kernel security patches that address the memory management issues in the binder driver. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date security configurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices in kernel code and underscores the need for thorough code review processes. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing runtime protections and memory integrity checks to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of kernel components and adherence to secure coding practices are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical security implications that can arise from improper memory management in kernel-level code, emphasizing the need for robust security controls throughout the software development lifecycle.