CVE-2019-2217 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In setCpuVulkanInUse of GpuStats.cpp, there is possible memory corruption due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-141003796
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2217 resides within the Android operating system's graphics processing unit statistics component, specifically in the setCpuVulkanInUse function located in GpuStats.cpp. This flaw represents a critical memory corruption issue that stems from improper memory management practices, creating a use-after-free condition that can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects Android 10 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-141003796, indicating its severity and the need for immediate attention from system administrators and security professionals.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the domain of CWE-416 Use After Free, which occurs when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential security exploits. The flaw manifests in the GPU statistics reporting mechanism where the system fails to properly manage the lifecycle of memory resources associated with Vulkan graphics processing. When the setCpuVulkanInUse function executes, it manipulates memory pointers that may be freed while still being referenced elsewhere in the code path, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate the system's memory layout.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. This means that an attacker with access to a low-privilege account or application running on the device can potentially elevate their privileges to system level, gaining access to sensitive system resources and capabilities. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without the need for social engineering or user deception techniques. The exploitability of this condition aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through improper memory management.
The implications of this vulnerability for Android security architecture are significant, as it undermines the fundamental security model that separates user applications from system-level processes. The memory corruption can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries and access protected system resources. This creates a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify system configurations, or even install persistent backdoors on affected devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in system-level components, particularly those handling graphics processing and system statistics that are frequently accessed by various applications and system services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2217 should focus on immediate patching of affected Android 10 devices through official security updates provided by Google and device manufacturers. Organizations should prioritize updating their Android devices to the latest security patches, as these updates contain the necessary code modifications to address the memory management issues in the GPU statistics component. Additionally, system administrators should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to limit the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of robust memory safety practices in mobile operating systems and underscores the importance of continuous security auditing of system components that handle critical resources like GPU processing capabilities.