CVE-2024-49738
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an attacker to write data outside the intended memory buffer in Android's Parcel component, potentially leading to local privilege escalation. It affects Android devices running vulnerable versions, requiring no user interaction for exploitation. The flaw enables attackers with local access to gain elevated system privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android OS
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with root-level access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and bypassing all security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to access sensitive data, install unauthorized applications, or modify system settings.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and SELinux policies preventing full system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access but no user interaction. Exploitation involves crafting malicious Parcel data to trigger out-of-bounds write.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: January 2025 Android Security Patch or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-01-01
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install January 2025 Android Security Patch. 3. Verify patch installation in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store to reduce attack surface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting to prevent untrusted app execution
- Enable enhanced SELinux policies and restrict device access to trusted users only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level. If date is before January 2025, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android security patch level shows January 2025 or later in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process privilege escalation
- SELinux denials related to Parcel operations
- Crash reports from system_server
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR process="system_server" AND error="segmentation_fault")