CVE-2019-9354 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In NFC server, there's a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-118148142
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9354 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 condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate input data before processing it within memory boundaries. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds check, which directly relates to improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the NFC server receives malformed or untrusted data through NFC communication protocols, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond allocated buffer limits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the NFC server's failure to perform adequate bounds checking on data structures received through NFC transactions. When processing NFC data, the system does not validate the length or content of incoming buffers before accessing memory locations, allowing an attacker to craft malicious NFC payloads that trigger memory read operations beyond intended boundaries. This condition typically occurs during parsing operations where the system assumes data integrity without proper validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no additional execution privileges beyond normal NFC communication capabilities, making it accessible through standard user interactions.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction through NFC communication, meaning an attacker must present a malicious NFC tag or device to the victim's Android device for successful exploitation. The attack vector involves crafting specially formatted NFC data that when processed by the vulnerable NFC server causes the out-of-bounds read condition. This information disclosure occurs without requiring escalated privileges, as the vulnerability exists within the system's NFC processing layer that operates with standard user permissions. The impact of this vulnerability includes potential exposure of sensitive memory contents, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in memory regions adjacent to the vulnerable buffer.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9354 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read could potentially expose system memory contents that might reveal implementation details or sensitive information useful for further exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter, as it could enable attackers to extract information that might facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability affects Android 10 and earlier versions, representing a significant security gap in mobile NFC processing that could be exploited in targeted attacks against users who frequently interact with NFC-enabled devices. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing network segmentation to limit potential exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the latest security patches from Google that address the bounds checking issue in the NFC server component. System administrators should also implement NFC communication restrictions where possible, particularly in enterprise environments where NFC interactions are not essential. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in mobile operating systems, particularly for components that process external data such as NFC communications. Additionally, user education regarding NFC security practices and awareness of potentially malicious NFC devices can help reduce the risk of exploitation in real-world scenarios. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual NFC communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.