CVE-2019-2203 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In CryptoPlugin::decrypt of CryptoPlugin.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9 Android-10Android ID: A-137370777
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2203 resides within the CryptoPlugin::decrypt function of the Android system's cryptographic implementation, specifically in the CryptoPlugin.cpp source file. This flaw represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition that arises from improper bounds checking during decryption operations. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes encrypted data through the cryptographic plugin, creating an opportunity for attackers to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of heap-allocated buffers. Such out-of-bounds write conditions are particularly dangerous as they can corrupt adjacent memory regions and potentially overwrite critical program structures or function pointers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent properties of heap memory management within Android's cryptographic subsystem. When the decrypt function processes input data, it fails to properly validate the size or boundaries of the data being written to heap-allocated buffers, creating a scenario where malicious input can cause the program to write beyond intended memory limits. This memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution or system instability, depending on the specific memory locations overwritten. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 8.0, 8.1, 9, and 10, indicating a widespread impact across the Android platform's cryptographic implementation. The Android ID A-137370777 categorizes this issue within the platform's security tracking system, reflecting its severity and the need for immediate attention.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2203 extends to local privilege escalation capabilities, meaning that an attacker with minimal privileges can potentially elevate their access level within the system. This represents a significant security risk as it eliminates the need for additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The vulnerability's accessibility makes it particularly concerning for mobile device security, as it could be exploited by malicious applications or compromised system components without requiring user intervention or elevated permissions. This characteristic aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting system-level vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for unauthorized access. The exploitability factor is further enhanced by the fact that the vulnerability exists in core cryptographic operations that are frequently invoked during normal system operation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment across affected Android versions, as the primary solution involves applying security updates that correct the buffer overflow condition in the CryptoPlugin implementation. System administrators and device manufacturers must prioritize the deployment of Android security patches that address the heap buffer overflow in the cryptographic subsystem. Additionally, runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries should be enabled to make exploitation more difficult, though these measures provide only partial protection against well-crafted attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous input validation and memory safety practices in cryptographic implementations, aligning with CWE-121 which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also implement monitoring systems to detect unusual cryptographic operations or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could potentially be leveraged in combination with other attack vectors within the Android security model.