CVE-2019-2056 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
There is a possible disclosure of RAM using a shared crypto key due to improperly used crypto. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-140879284
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2024
This vulnerability resides in the Android operating system's cryptographic implementation where improper handling of shared cryptographic keys leads to potential memory disclosure. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly isolate cryptographic operations, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive memory regions that contain cryptographic keys or data processed through shared key mechanisms. This represents a critical security weakness in the Android security model where memory protection boundaries are not properly enforced during cryptographic operations.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate key management practices within the Android cryptographic framework, specifically in how shared keys are utilized across different security contexts. When cryptographic operations are performed using shared keys, the system should ensure proper memory isolation and access controls to prevent leakage of sensitive information. However, the vulnerability demonstrates that the implementation fails to maintain these security boundaries, allowing local processes to potentially access memory segments containing cryptographic material. This aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses related to improper key handling and memory management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local information disclosure without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction. An attacker with local access to an Android device can exploit this flaw to extract sensitive cryptographic keys or data that was processed using shared cryptographic mechanisms. The vulnerability affects Android 10 and potentially earlier versions, making it a widespread concern across numerous devices. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system, where adversaries can extract sensitive information from memory without requiring elevated privileges or complex exploitation techniques.
The vulnerability's exploitation requires only local access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where devices are not properly secured or where users have unrestricted access to their devices. The lack of user interaction requirements means that the attack can be automated and executed silently in the background, potentially leading to prolonged data exposure. Memory disclosure attacks of this nature can compromise the integrity of cryptographic operations and potentially lead to further exploitation opportunities, as the leaked information might include session keys, encryption materials, or other sensitive data that could be used to decrypt communications or impersonate legitimate processes.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper memory isolation mechanisms for cryptographic operations, ensuring that shared keys are properly handled and that access controls are enforced. Android security updates typically address such issues by strengthening memory protection boundaries and improving cryptographic key management practices. System administrators should ensure that devices are promptly updated with the latest security patches, and organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and adherence to security best practices in mobile operating systems, particularly regarding memory management and key handling procedures that align with industry standards such as those defined in NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management.