CVE-2024-31339 Overview
CVE-2024-31339 is a use-after-free vulnerability affecting multiple functions in StatsService.cpp within the Android StatsD module. The flaw enables memory corruption that local attackers can leverage to escalate privileges on affected devices. Exploitation requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges beyond a low-privilege local context. Google addressed the issue in the Android Security Bulletin July 2024. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-416] Use After Free and impacts Android versions 12, 12L, 13, and 14.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows local privilege escalation with full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the device, potentially compromising user data and system stability.
Affected Products
- Google Android 12.0 and 12.1
- Google Android 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-07-01 - Google releases security patch via Android Security Bulletin
- 2024-07-09 - CVE-2024-31339 published to NVD
- 2024-12-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-31339
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in multiple functions within StatsService.cpp, a component of Android's StatsD telemetry and metrics collection service. StatsD runs as a privileged system service that collects statistics from across the Android platform. A use-after-free condition occurs when code references memory after it has been freed, allowing an attacker to manipulate the dangling pointer to execute arbitrary operations in the context of the freed object.
Because StatsD operates with elevated system privileges, corruption of its memory provides a direct path to privilege escalation. The attack requires only local access and low privileges, making it reachable from unprivileged applications installed on the device.
Root Cause
The root cause is classified as [CWE-416] Use After Free. Specific functions in StatsService.cpp failed to invalidate or properly synchronize pointers after the underlying objects were deallocated. Subsequent dereferences operated on freed memory, enabling controlled corruption of heap structures. Google addressed the defect in commit 795a0da721992432cae20fc9be21bcbce318bf5a within the StatsD module.
Attack Vector
An attacker delivers a malicious or compromised application to the target device. The application interacts with the StatsD service through its exposed interfaces to trigger the vulnerable code paths. Careful heap manipulation following the free operation can result in arbitrary code execution within the StatsD process. No user interaction is required once the application executes locally.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-31339
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or tombstone entries in /data/tombstones/ referencing the statsd process
- logcat errors indicating segmentation faults or abort signals from system_server or statsd
- Installation of untrusted applications from outside Google Play that request statistics-related APIs
Detection Strategies
- Compare device build fingerprints against the July 2024 Android Security Bulletin patch level (2024-07-01 or later)
- Monitor mobile fleet telemetry for Android builds running versions 12 through 14 without the corresponding security patch
- Inspect installed applications for code paths that invoke StatsManager APIs in anomalous patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enroll devices in mobile device management (MDM) and enforce monthly security patch compliance
- Aggregate Android crash reports centrally and alert on repeated statsd faults across the fleet
- Track sideloaded application installations and review their requested permissions and runtime behavior
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-31339
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the July 2024 Android security patch level (2024-07-01) or later to all affected devices
- Restrict installation of applications from unknown sources through MDM policy
- Audit existing applications on managed devices and remove untrusted or unnecessary software
Patch Information
Google published the fix in the Android Security Bulletin July 2024. The corresponding source change is available in the Android StatsD Patch. Device manufacturers (OEMs) integrate this patch into their respective firmware updates. Users should install the latest over-the-air (OTA) update available for their device model.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists; applying the security patch is the only complete remediation
- Limit device exposure by disallowing sideloading and enforcing Google Play Protect scanning
- Decommission or isolate devices that no longer receive security updates from the OEM
# Verify the security patch level on an Android device via adb
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for remediated devices: 2024-07-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
