CVE-2024-56187
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows arbitrary reads from Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) memory due to a logic error in the ppcfw_deny_sec_dram_access function. It enables local information disclosure but requires System execution privileges for exploitation. The vulnerability affects Android devices, particularly Google Pixel phones.
💻 Affected Systems
- Google Pixel phones
- Android devices with similar TEE implementations
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with System privileges could read sensitive TEE memory contents, potentially exposing cryptographic keys, biometric data, or other protected information stored in the secure environment.
Likely Case
Local information disclosure where an attacker with elevated privileges reads protected memory regions, compromising security boundaries between normal and secure execution environments.
If Mitigated
With proper privilege separation and minimal System privilege assignments, impact is limited to controlled memory reads rather than full system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires System privileges and understanding of TEE memory layout. No user interaction needed once privileges are obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: March 2025 Android security patch level
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2025-03-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Apply March 2025 Android security patch. 2. For Pixel devices: Settings > System > System update > Check for update. 3. For other Android devices: Check manufacturer's security update schedule. 4. Reboot device after update installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict System Privileges
androidLimit applications and services with System execution privileges to reduce attack surface.
Review and audit applications with android:sharedUserId="android.uid.system" in manifest
Remove unnecessary System privileges from applications
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application vetting to prevent malicious apps from obtaining System privileges
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts and unusual System-level process behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level: Settings > About phone > Android version > Security patch level. If before March 2025, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level shows March 2025 or later. Check that the patch was successfully applied through device update logs.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual System privilege requests
- Access attempts to TEE memory regions
- Kernel or security subsystem warnings
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Process execution with System privileges AND memory access patterns to secure regions