CVE-2019-9454 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the Android kernel in i2c driver there is a possible out of bounds write due to memory corruption. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9454 resides within the Android kernel's i2c driver component, representing a critical security flaw that enables local privilege escalation. This issue manifests as a possible out of bounds write condition stemming from memory corruption within the kernel's inter-integrated circuit communication driver implementation. The vulnerability affects Android devices that utilize kernel versions containing this specific i2c driver code, creating a pathway for malicious actors to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level execution privileges. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically without any human intervention from the target device user. The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper bounds checking within the i2c driver's memory handling mechanisms, where insufficient validation allows data to be written beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption scenario typically occurs when the driver processes incoming i2c communication data without adequate verification of buffer sizes or data lengths, leading to overwrite conditions that can corrupt adjacent memory regions.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9454 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable complete system compromise. Once an attacker achieves system execution privileges through this vulnerability, they gain access to all system resources, can modify critical system files, install malicious applications, and potentially access sensitive user data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only local system access, making it particularly concerning for devices that may be physically accessible to unauthorized individuals or for attackers who have already gained low-privilege access through other means. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index or buffer bounds, and represents a classic example of a kernel-level buffer overflow that can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic where adversaries exploit software vulnerabilities to gain higher privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9454 primarily focus on applying the relevant security patches provided by device manufacturers and kernel maintainers. Android device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security updates that address the i2c driver memory handling issues, particularly targeting the specific kernel versions affected by this vulnerability. System administrators and security teams should implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure all devices are updated with the latest security patches. Additionally, implementing kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space protection can provide additional defense-in-depth layers against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns consistent with privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through kernel-based attacks, thus requiring comprehensive security measures that address both the immediate patching requirements and broader system hardening strategies to prevent successful exploitation attempts.