CVE-2024-56190
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation on affected Android devices through an out-of-bounds write in the Wi-Fi driver. Attackers can gain elevated privileges without user interaction or additional execution permissions. Primarily affects Google Pixel devices running vulnerable Android versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Google Pixel smartphones
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, install persistent malware, access all user data, and bypass security controls.
Likely Case
Local attacker gains root access to device, enabling data theft, surveillance, or installation of backdoors while maintaining stealth.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if device is fully patched, has strict app permissions, and runs with minimal privileges for standard users.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local code execution but no user interaction; technical details are public but no known weaponized exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: April 2025 Android security patch level or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2025-04-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > System > System update. 2. Check for updates. 3. Download and install April 2025 security patch. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Wi-Fi
androidTemporarily disable Wi-Fi functionality to prevent exploitation of the vulnerable driver component
adb shell svc wifi disable
Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Toggle off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict app installations to Google Play Store only and disable unknown sources
- Implement strict app permission controls and regularly audit installed applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level: Settings > About phone > Android version > Security patch level. If earlier than April 2025, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level shows 'April 5, 2025' or later date after update installation.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Wi-Fi driver crash reports
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts in audit logs
Network Indicators:
- None - purely local exploitation
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND ("wl_cfgscan" OR "Wi-Fi driver crash" OR "kernel panic")