CVE-2019-2010 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In phNxpNciHal_process_ext_rsp of phNxpNciHal_ext.cc, there is a possible out-of-bound write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-7.0 Android-7.1.1 Android-7.1.2 Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9Android ID: A-118152591
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2010 resides within the phNxpNciHal_process_ext_rsp function of the phNxpNciHal_ext.cc file, representing a critical security flaw in Android's NFC hardware abstraction layer. This issue manifests as a potential out-of-bounds write condition that occurs due to the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The flaw specifically targets the NFC (Near Field Communication) hardware abstraction layer component that manages communication between NFC hardware and Android's framework, making it a critical component for device security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions. This vulnerability operates at the system level within the NFC HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) where malicious actors could potentially manipulate NFC communication responses to trigger the out-of-bounds write condition. The flaw does not require user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through automated means or during normal NFC operations. The absence of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that any process running with standard user permissions could potentially leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges to system-level access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental weakness in Android's security architecture that could allow attackers to gain complete control over affected devices. The local escalation of privilege means that an attacker with access to the device could potentially elevate their privileges to the system level without requiring additional attack vectors or user interaction. This creates a significant risk for devices that rely on NFC functionality, as the vulnerability could be exploited through various NFC-based attacks including malicious NFC tags, compromised NFC communication protocols, or through other attack vectors that can trigger the problematic NFC HAL function. The Android ID A-118152591 further underscores the severity and widespread nature of this issue across multiple Android versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2010 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the NFC HAL component and ensuring that all array accesses are validated against their declared boundaries. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the relevant security patches provided by Google and Android vendors to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries can help mitigate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', emphasizes the need for comprehensive security measures including regular security audits, monitoring for suspicious NFC activity, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all Android devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation, particularly in enterprise environments where NFC-enabled devices may be used in sensitive operations.