CVE-2019-2014 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In rw_t3t_handle_get_sc_poll_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-120499324
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2014 resides within the Android near field communication (NFC) subsystem, specifically in the rw_t3t_handle_get_sc_poll_rsp function located in the rw_t3t.cc source file. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when processing NFC poll responses during the Type 3 Tag communication protocol. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to validate array bounds before writing data to memory locations, creating a potential pathway for malicious code execution. The affected Android versions span from 7.0 through 9.0, indicating this issue has persisted across multiple major releases and affects a significant portion of the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges, making it a critical security concern for mobile devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the NFC stack's handling of Type 3 Tag poll responses. When an NFC device receives a poll response from another NFC device, the system processes this data through the rw_t3t_handle_get_sc_poll_rsp function which is responsible for managing the communication protocol. The missing bounds check allows an attacker to craft malicious NFC poll responses that contain oversized data payloads. When the system attempts to write this data to memory without proper boundary verification, it overwrites adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system structures or executing arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs to ensure they are within acceptable ranges. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the NFC subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious NFC devices or applications with NFC permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that can compromise the entire device. An attacker who can establish a nearby NFC device or gain access to a device with NFC capabilities could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute code with elevated privileges. The requirement for user interaction suggests that the attack vector involves physical proximity or user acceptance of NFC connections, but once initiated, the exploitation can lead to complete device compromise. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where mobile devices may contain sensitive corporate data and where attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to critical systems. The attack pattern follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically through the use of mobile application exploitation, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for mobile security frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2014 should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures within the Android ecosystem. The primary solution involves applying the security patches released by Google as part of their Android security bulletins, which include fixes to the NFC subsystem's bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict NFC access controls and user education regarding the risks of accepting unknown NFC connections. Network administrators should consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and restrict NFC functionality where possible. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any unusual NFC activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in mobile operating systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system-level components. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of mobile applications and system components can help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild, emphasizing the critical role of proactive security measures in protecting mobile device ecosystems.