CVE-2019-9344 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In NFC server, 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 needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-120845341
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9344 resides within the NFC server component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 10 and earlier versions. This issue represents a classic out-of-bounds read flaw that occurs when the system fails to properly validate input data before processing it. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms within the NFC service implementation, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted NFC data could trigger memory access violations. The Android ID A-120845341 categorizes this flaw within the broader context of NFC service security weaknesses that could potentially compromise system integrity. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds checking issue, which directly relates to improper input validation and memory safety concerns. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning that an attacker must convince a target to engage with malicious NFC content for the attack to succeed. This interaction requirement typically involves physical proximity and user engagement with NFC-enabled devices, making it a targeted rather than broadly exploitable vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2019-9344 involves an attacker crafting specific NFC data packets that, when processed by the vulnerable NFC server, trigger an out-of-bounds memory read operation. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the system attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. The out-of-bounds read could inadvertently reveal confidential data such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other sensitive system information that happens to be stored in memory adjacent to the vulnerable data structures. The vulnerability's impact is limited to local information disclosure, meaning that an attacker cannot execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges beyond what is already available to the NFC service. However, the information disclosure aspect remains significant as it could provide attackers with valuable data for further exploitation attempts. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for input validation flaws and T1566 for social engineering through NFC interactions, as user interaction is required for successful exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks. While the vulnerability does not require additional execution privileges, the leaked information could be leveraged in combination with other attack vectors to compromise system security. The NFC service operates with specific privileges and access controls, and any information disclosure from this component could provide attackers with insights into system internals, potentially enabling more targeted attacks against other system components. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability somewhat less critical than fully autonomous exploits, but it remains a concern for environments where physical security and user awareness are not adequately maintained. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their overall mobile security posture, particularly in enterprise environments where NFC functionality might be actively used. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure means that the attacker must have access to the target device and must be able to initiate NFC interactions, which limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9344 focus primarily on updating to patched versions of Android where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking implementation. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches and updates to all affected Android devices, particularly those in enterprise environments or handling sensitive information. Additionally, organizations can implement NFC security policies that limit NFC functionality in high-security environments or require additional authentication before processing NFC data. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in mobile operating systems, particularly for services that handle external data inputs. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous NFC service behavior and unexpected memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a defense-in-depth perspective, implementing network segmentation and device management policies can help reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive mobile security testing that includes both automated scanning and manual penetration testing of mobile operating system components to identify similar bounds checking issues that might exist in other system services.