CVE-2019-2178 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In rw_t4t_sm_read_ndef of rw_t4t in Android 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1 and 9, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege in the NFC service 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-2019-2178 resides within the NFC (Near Field Communication) service implementation of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, and 9. This flaw exists in the rw_t4t_sm_read_ndef function of the rw_t4t component which handles NFC Type 4 tag communication protocols. The issue manifests as a missing bounds check during memory operations, creating a potential out-of-bounds write condition that can be exploited for privilege escalation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the NFC service's NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) reading functionality. When processing NFC tags, the rw_t4t_sm_read_ndef function fails to properly validate the length of data being read from NFC tags before writing it to memory buffers. This missing bounds check allows an attacker to potentially write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, corrupting adjacent memory locations and potentially executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. This means that an attacker with access to NFC functionality could exploit this flaw to gain higher privileges within the Android system, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying system components, or establishing persistent access. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically when NFC tags are read by the device.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The attack surface is primarily through NFC services and requires no user interaction, making it a stealthy and effective vector for privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects the core NFC service components and could potentially allow attackers to compromise the entire device's security posture.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected Android versions through official security updates from Google. Organizations should also implement NFC service monitoring and consider disabling NFC functionality in environments where it is not essential. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security assessments of NFC implementations should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. System administrators should also monitor for unusual NFC service behavior and ensure that device firmware is kept current with security patches.