Android and Linux Kernel Binder Driver Use-After-Free Local Privilege Escalation (CVE-2019-2215)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTAndroid OS and specific Linux kernel versions utilizing the Binder IPC driver (binder.c)
Local attackers can execute malicious applications or chain with other vulnerabilities to gain root privileges and fully compromise the system
Apply official security patches and upgrade the kernel to the latest secure version immediately
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
For Android devices, apply the official security updates (October 2019 or later). For Linux server environments, upgrade the kernel packages using the package manager.
# For Debian/Ubuntu-based systems
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linux-image-generic -y
# For RedHat/CentOS-based systems
sudo yum update kernel -y
# Reboot the system to apply the new kernel
sudo reboot2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If immediate patching is not feasible, restrict the installation of untrusted local applications. Ensure SELinux is set to Enforcing mode to restrict unauthorized access to the Binder device node (/dev/binder).
# Check SELinux status and enforce policy
sudo getenforce
sudo setenforce 13. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Verify the running kernel version and inspect system logs for potential exploitation attempts or memory corruption indicators.
# Check the current running kernel version
uname -r
# Search kernel ring buffer logs for Binder anomalies or UAF indicators
dmesg | grep -Ei 'binder|use-after-free|general protection fault'Block Kernel Privilege Escalation & Ransomware Payloads Before You Can Reboot
Protect unpatched Windows, Linux, and macOS workloads against in-memory exploitation and lateral movement with autonomous EDR.
Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability (CVE-2019-2215) is a Use-After-Free (UAF) flaw located in the Binder driver (binder.c), which serves as the core Inter-Process Communication (IPC) mechanism for Android and certain Linux kernels. The root cause lies in a logic flaw where a binder object's memory pointer is not properly cleared or nullified after the file descriptor is released, allowing subsequent operations to reference freed memory.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
Exploitation does not require user interaction but necessitates either running a malicious local application or chaining with a separate vulnerability in a network-facing application to gain local execution context. By registering a binder file descriptor with epoll and triggering specific release sequences, an attacker can free the binder object. The attacker then reclaims the freed memory space with controlled payload data, hijacking the kernel execution flow to achieve arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
As a highly critical vulnerability listed in the CISA KEV catalog, this flaw has been actively exploited in the wild. Successful exploitation allows attackers to bypass application sandbox boundaries and escalate privileges to Root. This compromises the entire device integrity, leading to sensitive data exfiltration, persistent backdoor installation, and potential lateral movement within enterprise networks.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
A use-after-free in binder.c allows an elevation of privilege from an application to the Linux Kernel. No user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, however exploitation does require either the installation of a malicious local application or a separate vulnerability in a network facing application.Product: AndroidAndroid ID: A-141720095
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2019-2215)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2019-2215 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2019-2215 is rated CVSS 7.8 (HIGH) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 72.1%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2019-2215?
Primary impacted vendors include google, linux across android, linux_kernel. Scope summary: Android devices and Linux distributions running kernel versions (such as 3.18, 4.4, 4.9, and 4.14) that include the vulnerable Binder driver
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2019-2215 before patching?
[Mitigation] Apply official security patches and upgrade the kernel to the latest secure version immediately Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
Generate an Internal Engineering Notice or CISO Report for CVE-2019-2215
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