CVE-2019-2191 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In LG's LAF component, there is a possible leak of information in a protected disk partition due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure via USB with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not required for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-68770980
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2191 resides within LG's LAF (Linux Abstraction Framework) component, a critical subsystem responsible for managing low-level hardware interactions in Android devices. This flaw manifests as a missing bounds check in the handling of protected disk partitions, creating a potential information disclosure channel that could be exploited locally through USB connections. The vulnerability specifically affects Android kernel versions and has been assigned Android ID A-68770980, indicating its significance within the Android security framework. The issue represents a fundamental breakdown in input validation mechanisms that should have prevented unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in protected storage areas.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the LAF component's disk partition handling routines. When a device processes data from USB connections, the system fails to properly validate the boundaries of data structures used to access protected disk partitions. This missing validation allows an attacker with user execution privileges to potentially read beyond allocated memory regions, thereby accessing data that should remain restricted. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where memory management and access controls are paramount, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard security mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-129: Improper Validation of Array Index vulnerability, where insufficient bounds checking enables access to memory outside the intended data structure boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2191 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides a pathway for local attackers to extract sensitive data from protected storage areas. The requirement for user execution privileges means that an attacker must first gain access to a user account or execute code with user-level permissions, but once achieved, the vulnerability can be exploited through USB connections without requiring additional user interaction. This makes it particularly concerning in environments where users might connect untrusted USB devices or where privilege escalation attacks are possible. The local nature of exploitation means that physical access to the device or successful social engineering to gain user-level access becomes sufficient for the attack vector. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1552: Unsecured Credentials, as it enables unauthorized data access through legitimate system interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2191 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the LAF component and ensuring proper validation of all disk partition access operations. Device manufacturers should prioritize updating affected Android kernel versions and implementing stricter input validation protocols that prevent unauthorized access to protected memory regions. System administrators should consider disabling unnecessary USB functionality when not required and implementing robust access control policies that limit user privileges. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security audits of kernel components and the implementation of automated testing procedures that can identify missing bounds checks before they can be exploited. The fix should include proper memory boundary validation, input sanitization, and comprehensive logging of disk access operations to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.