CVE-2019-9383 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-120843827
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9383 resides within the NFC server component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 10 and earlier versions. This issue represents a critical security flaw that manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition, a common class of memory safety vulnerability that can compromise system integrity. The vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check within the NFC server's processing logic, creating an exploitable condition where malicious input can trigger unauthorized memory access patterns. The Android ID A-120843827 specifically tracks this vulnerability within Google's internal tracking system, indicating its significance within the Android security framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the NFC server's failure to properly validate input boundaries when processing NFC-related data structures. When legitimate NFC data is received and processed, the server attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which is classified as a weakness that allows attackers to manipulate array indices to access unauthorized memory locations. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, meaning that an attacker must convince a user to perform a specific action such as receiving an NFC signal or interacting with a malicious NFC-enabled device.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local information disclosure without requiring additional execution privileges, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. The out-of-bounds read condition can potentially expose sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, application data, or system memory contents that may contain confidential information. The fact that no additional execution privileges are needed means that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability through standard user-level interactions, potentially compromising the confidentiality of data stored on the device. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 which focuses on data from local system sources, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreters, as the vulnerability could enable access to system resources that might be leveraged for further exploitation.
The exploitation of CVE-2019-9383 requires user interaction, typically through NFC-enabled devices or services that trigger the vulnerable NFC server component. This interaction-based requirement makes the vulnerability more difficult to exploit remotely but still poses significant risks in environments where users frequently interact with NFC-enabled devices or services. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in mobile operating system components, particularly those handling external input such as NFC data. Organizations and users should prioritize updating to patched versions of Android that address this vulnerability, as the exposure of sensitive information could lead to broader security implications including identity theft, financial fraud, or further system compromise. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of mobile operating system components, particularly those handling external communication protocols like NFC that are increasingly integrated into everyday mobile device usage patterns.