CVE-2019-2174 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In SensorManager::assertStateLocked of SensorManager.cpp in Android 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9, there is a possible use after free due to improper locking. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2174 resides within the Android sensor management subsystem, specifically in the SensorManager::assertStateLocked function located in SensorManager.cpp. This flaw affects multiple Android versions including 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9, representing a significant security concern due to its potential for local privilege escalation. The issue stems from improper locking mechanisms that create a race condition scenario where memory that has been freed is subsequently accessed, leading to a use-after-free vulnerability. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic use-after-free condition where the SensorManager component fails to properly maintain synchronization during state assertions. When multiple threads attempt to access sensor state information simultaneously, the locking mechanism becomes inadequate, allowing one thread to free memory while another thread attempts to access that same memory location. This improper locking pattern creates a window where the freed memory can be reallocated and accessed by malicious code, enabling attackers to manipulate the execution flow. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416 as a use-after-free condition, which is a well-documented weakness that frequently leads to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2174 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it represents a critical weakness in Android's core sensor management system that could be exploited by malicious applications installed on the device. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, an attacker could leverage this vulnerability through any application with standard permissions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might unknowingly install compromised applications. The vulnerability essentially allows an unprivileged process to gain kernel-level privileges, which would enable complete system compromise including access to all user data, persistent backdoor installation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes local privilege escalation through improper locking mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Android versions, as Google released security updates addressing the specific locking issues in SensorManager.cpp. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected devices, particularly in enterprise environments where security is paramount. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and monitoring for suspicious sensor activity can provide defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper synchronization mechanisms in multi-threaded environments and highlights the need for comprehensive code reviews focusing on locking patterns, memory management, and race condition prevention. System administrators should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with use-after-free exploitation attempts, particularly around sensor management APIs.