CVE-2019-2215: Android Kernel Use-After-Free Vulnerability

CVE-2019-2215 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Android kernel’s binder component (binder.c). It lets a malicious or compromised application escalate privileges into the Linux kernel. CISA notes it has been observed chained with CVE-2020-0041 and CVE-2020-0069 in the “AbstractEmu” exploit chain. For organizations that manage Android devices or Android-based embedded systems, this matters because successful exploitation can give an attacker kernel-level control on the device.

Public detail is limited to the facts above; confirm exact affected builds, patch levels, and vendor-specific guidance against the official Android/security advisory before acting.

How it works

The weakness is CWE-416 (use-after-free). In this class of flaw, memory is freed while a pointer to it remains in use. An attacker who can influence allocation and free timing in the binder driver can cause the kernel to reuse that memory for attacker-controlled data, then trigger use of the stale pointer. The result is privilege escalation from an unprivileged application context into the kernel.

CISA states the vulnerability resides in binder.c and enables escalation from an application to the Linux kernel. It has been seen used together with other Android kernel issues under the AbstractEmu chain. No further exploit mechanics, version ranges, or proof-of-concept details are provided here; treat any deeper technical claims as unconfirmed until verified against the vendor advisory.

Am I affected? How to find it in your systems

This issue affects the Android kernel. Typical locations include:

• Corporate or BYOD Android phones and tablets
• Android-based kiosks, point-of-sale, or industrial handhelds
• Embedded or IoT devices running an Android/Linux kernel that includes the binder driver

Inventory steps:

• Enumerate managed Android devices via MDM/EMM and record OS build fingerprints, security patch levels, and kernel versions.
• For embedded or custom images, identify whether the kernel includes the binder driver and compare the build against the vendor’s security bulletin for CVE-2019-2215.
• Confirm with the device or SoC vendor whether the specific kernel branch was patched; do not assume a generic Android version number is sufficient.

Telemetry and log signs of exploitation are not detailed in the provided facts. In general for kernel privilege-escalation attempts, watch for unexpected process crashes in binder-related paths, sudden acquisition of root or kernel capabilities by non-system apps, and anomalous binder transaction patterns. Validate any detection logic against vendor and CISA guidance.

How to remediate

Patch first. CISA’s required action is to apply updates per vendor instructions. Obtain the security update that addresses CVE-2019-2215 from Google (AOSP/Android Security Bulletin) or from your device OEM/carrier, then deploy it through your normal MDM or firmware update process.

After patching:

• Verify the new security patch level or kernel build on a sample of devices.
• Re-image or factory-reset high-risk devices if you suspect prior compromise, then re-enroll them.
• Harden the environment for this class of issue: keep devices on supported release trains, restrict sideloading and untrusted app sources, enforce strong app-vetting, and minimize the set of apps that can run with elevated or special permissions.

If you can't patch immediately

Until the vendor update can be applied, reduce exposure with compensating controls:

• Segmentation: isolate unpatched Android devices from sensitive networks and limit their ability to reach internal resources.
• Application control: block or tightly restrict untrusted applications; prefer managed Google Play or an enterprise app store.
• Disable or limit unnecessary binder-facing features only if your vendor documents a supported configuration to do so; otherwise do not alter kernel interfaces ad hoc.
• Monitoring: increase logging and alerting for privilege-escalation indicators and unusual binder activity; forward device logs to a central SIEM where feasible.
• Virtual patching / network controls: while a classic WAF does not protect a local kernel bug, mobile threat-defense or EDR agents that can detect post-exploitation behavior may provide partial coverage—confirm capabilities with the tool vendor.

These measures lower risk but do not replace the patch. Schedule the official update as soon as operationally possible.

If your data may have been exposed

Actively exploited kernel privilege-escalation vulnerabilities can lead to full device compromise and subsequent data theft or lateral movement. Known ransomware use of this CVE is not documented in the provided facts. If you believe devices were exposed, follow your incident-response process: isolate affected devices, preserve evidence, rotate credentials accessible from those devices, and assess what data may have been reachable. You can also run a free exposure scan of your email addresses to check whether they appear in known breach datasets as one additional hygiene step.