CVE-2019-2088 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In StatsService, there is a possible out of bounds read. This could lead to local information disclosure if UBSAN were not enabled, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android Versions: Android-10 Android ID: A-143895055
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2088 resides within the StatsService component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 10 implementations. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that occurs within the system's statistics collection and reporting mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the StatsService processes certain data inputs without proper bounds checking, potentially allowing malicious code to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems. The flaw exists in the StatsService module where statistical data is collected and processed, creating an opportunity for unauthorized information disclosure. When UBSAN (Undefined Behavior Sanitizer) is not enabled during system compilation, the vulnerability becomes exploitable, though it does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction for successful exploitation. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically without any user engagement, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive system information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Android device security as it enables local information disclosure without requiring elevated privileges or user interaction. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited silently in the background, potentially revealing system statistics, memory contents, or other sensitive operational data that could aid in further attacks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1082, as it involves discovery of system information, and T1005, concerning data from local system storage.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could potentially contain system configuration details, process information, or statistical metrics that might reveal patterns useful for more sophisticated attacks. The fact that exploitation requires no user interaction makes this a particularly stealthy threat that could operate undetected for extended periods. Organizations and users should prioritize patching this vulnerability through official Android security updates, as the lack of requirement for additional execution privileges or user interaction means that exploitation can occur automatically. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive memory safety checks in system services and highlights the critical need for enabling security sanitization tools like UBSAN during development and deployment phases to prevent such out-of-bounds access conditions from becoming exploitable.