CVE-2019-2031 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Android devices are impacted by a vulnerability that could allow attackers to escalate privileges locally without additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2019-2031

This CVE identifies a potential security issue in Android versions 7.0 to 9 that could lead to privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2019-2031?

The vulnerability lies in the function rw_t3t_act_handle_check_ndef_rsp in the file rw_t3t.cc, where a lack of boundary checking may result in writing beyond allocated memory.

The Impact of CVE-2019-2031

The vulnerability could enable an attacker to elevate their privileges locally without needing extra execution privileges, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-2031

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in rw_t3t_act_handle_check_ndef_rsp could be exploited for local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Android
Versions Affected: Android-7.0, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 8.0, 8.1, 9

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially write beyond allocated memory, leading to privilege escalation without additional execution privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Android promptly.
Monitor official Android security bulletins for updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Android devices to the latest software versions.
Implement security best practices to mitigate privilege escalation risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and apply patches as soon as they are released.