CVE-2019-9243 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In wpa_supplicant_8, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-120905706
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9243 resides within the wpa_supplicant_8 implementation, specifically affecting Android 10 devices with Android ID A-120905706. This represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that emerges from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the wireless authentication framework. The flaw manifests when the wpa_supplicant component processes certain wireless network configuration parameters without adequate bounds checking, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
This security weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in software implementations. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it enables local information disclosure without requiring any special execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data from memory locations that should remain protected, potentially exposing confidential information related to wireless network credentials, authentication tokens, or other proprietary data stored within the device's memory space.
The operational implications of CVE-2019-9243 extend beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in memory safety mechanisms within the wireless networking stack. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in automated exploitation scenarios, where malicious actors could potentially craft attacks that silently extract sensitive information from affected devices. This flaw directly impacts the integrity of the Android security model by creating an unauthorized data access channel through legitimate wireless network authentication processes.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers can leverage system-level components to extract information. The exploitation process requires no additional privileges beyond what is normally available to standard user applications, making it accessible to attackers who might already have access to the device through other means. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability specifically affects the wpa_supplicant's handling of wireless network configuration data, particularly when processing certain EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) parameters that are commonly used in enterprise wireless environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9243 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as this vulnerability represents a persistent threat that could be exploited by adversaries with minimal technical requirements. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual wireless authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that wireless network configurations do not inadvertently expose sensitive data through malformed EAP parameter handling. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation and bounds checking in security-critical components, particularly those handling authentication and network configuration data. Additionally, device administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential damage from exploitation, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components that might present analogous risks.