CVE-2019-2210 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In load_logging_config of qmi_vs_service.cc, 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-9 Android-10Android ID: A-139148442
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2210 represents a critical heap buffer overflow flaw within the Qualcomm Mobile Interface (QMI) service implementation on Android devices. This issue exists in the load_logging_config function of the qmi_vs_service.cc source file, where improper bounds checking allows for memory corruption that can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects Android versions 9 and 10, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these operating system versions across mobile devices. The flaw specifically manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when processing logging configuration data, creating opportunities for malicious code execution with elevated privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the scope of CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the heap-based nature of this specific implementation makes it more accurately classified as CWE-787, heap-based buffer overflow. The vulnerability operates through the QMI service that manages communication between different system components and external devices, making it a prime target for exploitation. When the system processes malformed logging configuration data, the buffer overflow allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system structures or injecting malicious code. The exploitation requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically through normal system operations or malicious applications that can access the QMI service interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2210 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain root-level access to affected Android devices without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. This represents a significant security risk in mobile environments where device integrity is paramount, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability's classification under the Android security advisory A-139148442 indicates that it was recognized by Google as a critical issue requiring immediate attention and patching. The attack surface is particularly wide given that QMI services are fundamental to mobile device functionality, including cellular communication, Wi-Fi management, and various hardware interface operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on timely patch deployment through Android security updates, as the fix requires modifications to the QMI service implementation to properly validate buffer boundaries during logging configuration processing. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of security patches to all affected devices, particularly those running Android 9 and 10 versions. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation through system-level vulnerabilities, making it essential for organizations to implement comprehensive patch management processes. Additionally, runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and heap canaries should be enabled where possible to mitigate exploitation attempts, though the fundamental fix requires code-level modifications to prevent the buffer overflow condition from occurring in the first place.