CVE-2019-2013 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In rw_t3t_act_handle_sro_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-120497583
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2013 resides within the Android near field communication (NFC) stack, specifically in the rw_t3t_act_handle_sro_rsp function located in the rw_t3t.cc source file. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that affects multiple Android versions including 7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9. The issue manifests as a potential out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the system processes NFC responses without proper validation of array boundaries. Such a vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can result in arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of bounds checking in the NFC stack's handling of Type 3 Tag responses. When the rw_t3t_act_handle_sro_rsp function processes incoming NFC data, it fails to validate the length or size of the received response data before writing to memory buffers. This omission allows an attacker to craft specially formatted NFC responses that can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or executing malicious code. The vulnerability requires no additional execution privileges for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any local user with access to NFC functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system instability and complete compromise of device security. An attacker could exploit this flaw through NFC interactions, requiring only user interaction to present a malicious NFC tag or device. The local escalation of privilege means that an attacker could gain elevated system permissions without needing physical access or additional malicious software. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and represents a significant threat to Android device security. The attack surface includes all NFC-enabled Android devices running the affected versions, potentially affecting millions of users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2013 primarily involve applying the security patches released by Google as part of their Android security updates. Organizations and users should immediately install the latest security patches available through official Android update channels. System administrators should implement comprehensive device management policies that ensure timely patch deployment across all Android devices within their networks. Additional defensive measures include enabling NFC security features, monitoring for unusual NFC activity, and implementing network-level controls that restrict NFC communications to trusted devices. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in mobile operating system components, reinforcing the need for robust code review processes and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent similar issues from occurring in future software releases.