CVE-2019-9449 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the Android kernel in FingerTipS touchscreen driver there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with system execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9449 resides within the Android kernel's FingerTipS touchscreen driver implementation, representing a critical security flaw that exposes systems to unauthorized information disclosure. This issue manifests as a missing bounds check during memory access operations, creating a potential out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited by malicious actors with system-level privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects devices running Android operating systems where the FingerTipS touchscreen driver is implemented, making it a widespread concern across numerous mobile and embedded platforms. The absence of proper input validation in the driver's memory handling routines allows attackers to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive kernel data structures and system information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and more specifically relates to CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions. The flaw operates at the kernel level where the touchscreen driver interacts with hardware input buffers, creating a pathway for attackers to extract confidential information from system memory. When the driver processes touchscreen input data, it fails to validate the size or range of incoming data before attempting to read from memory locations, allowing for arbitrary memory access patterns. This condition is particularly dangerous because it operates within the privileged kernel space where sensitive system information is accessible, including memory addresses, kernel structures, and potentially cryptographic keys or authentication data.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9449 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a foundational security weakness that can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. While exploitation requires system execution privileges, the vulnerability's accessibility means that attackers who have already gained elevated access can leverage this flaw to extract additional system information that could aid in further compromise. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without requiring physical access or user deception. Security researchers have noted that such out-of-bounds read conditions often serve as precursors to more severe vulnerabilities, as the extracted information can reveal memory layout details, kernel structures, and other sensitive data that can be used to craft more targeted attacks. The vulnerability's presence in the Android kernel also means that it affects a broad range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms where touchscreen functionality is implemented.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9449 must focus on addressing the root cause through proper bounds checking implementation within the FingerTipS touchscreen driver. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying security patches that introduce proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms to prevent memory access violations. The remediation process involves modifying the driver code to validate all buffer access operations and ensure that memory reads remain within allocated boundaries. Additionally, implementing kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space protection can help mitigate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their Android device implementations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other kernel drivers or system components. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique highlights the need for comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures. Regular security updates, proper access controls, and continuous vulnerability assessment programs are essential to maintaining device security posture against such kernel-level threats. Device manufacturers should also implement robust code review processes that specifically target memory safety issues and ensure that all kernel components undergo rigorous security testing before deployment.