CVE-2024-47032
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in Android's lwis_ioctl.c that allows local privilege escalation without user interaction. Attackers can exploit this to gain elevated system privileges on vulnerable devices. This affects Android devices, particularly Google Pixel phones.
💻 Affected Systems
- Google Pixel phones
- Android devices with similar kernel implementations
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full device compromise with root/system-level access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and complete control over the device.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, and install malicious applications with elevated permissions.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are fully patched and have additional security controls like SELinux enforcing mode and app sandboxing.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of kernel memory layout and heap manipulation techniques. No user interaction needed but requires local access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: December 2024 Android security patch level or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2024-12-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install December 2024 security patch. 3. Reboot device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit physical and network access to vulnerable devices to reduce attack surface
Enable SELinux enforcing mode
androidEnsure SELinux is in enforcing mode to limit impact of potential privilege escalation
getenforce
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate vulnerable devices from critical networks and data
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent execution of unauthorized apps
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version > Security patch levelCheck Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level shows December 2024 or later date📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- SELinux denials related to lwis_ioctl
- Abnormal privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Unexpected network activity from privileged contexts
SIEM Query:
source="android_kernel" AND (event="panic" OR event="oops") AND process="lwis_ioctl"