CVE-2019-2012 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In rw_t3t_act_handle_fmt_rsp of rw_t3t.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 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-120497437
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2012 resides within the Android framework's Near Field Communication (NFC) implementation, specifically in the rw_t3t_act_handle_fmt_rsp function located in the rw_t3t.cc source file. This flaw represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition that can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges. 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 issue stems from a missing bounds check during the processing of NFC Type 3 tag responses, which allows an attacker to manipulate memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions where a program writes data past the end of a buffer. The flaw occurs during NFC communication processing when handling formatted responses from Type 3 tags, which are commonly used in Android devices for secure element operations. The missing bounds validation means that the application fails to verify that data being written to memory does not exceed the allocated buffer size. This creates an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The exploitation requires user interaction, typically through NFC communication with a maliciously crafted tag or device, making it particularly concerning for mobile environments where NFC is frequently used.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for Android devices as it enables local privilege escalation, meaning an attacker with physical access or the ability to initiate NFC communication can potentially gain system-level privileges. The attack vector requires user interaction, but the low privilege requirements for exploitation make it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios where NFC functionality is commonly enabled and used. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data corruption, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malicious applications, access sensitive data, or modify system configurations. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in mobile environments where the attack surface is already broad due to the variety of connectivity options and user interactions.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through system binary manipulation or memory corruption. The attack chain typically begins with an NFC interaction that triggers the vulnerable code path, followed by memory corruption that allows privilege escalation. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper bounds checking in the NFC processing code, applying security patches promptly, and considering NFC functionality restrictions in high-security environments. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while maintaining regular security updates and monitoring for suspicious NFC activity. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around buffer management and input validation, as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices guidelines.