CVE-2024-34719 Overview
CVE-2024-34719 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability affecting Google Android. The flaw exists in multiple locations within the Android Bluetooth module and stems from a missing null check that enables a permissions bypass. An attacker with local access can escalate privileges without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. Google addressed the issue in the Android Security Bulletin November 2024. The vulnerability maps to [CWE-476] (NULL Pointer Dereference) and [CWE-862] (Missing Authorization).
Critical Impact
Local attackers on affected Android devices can bypass permission checks and escalate privileges without user interaction, gaining access to protected resources normally restricted by the Android permission model.
Affected Products
- Google Android 12.0
- Google Android 12.1, 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-01 - Fix published in the Android Security Bulletin November 2024
- 2024-11-13 - CVE-2024-34719 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-34719
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Android Bluetooth module across multiple code paths. Each affected location performs an operation on an object reference without first verifying the reference is non-null. When the object is null, the permission enforcement logic is skipped rather than triggering an exception or denial. This behavior allows a local process to reach protected functionality that Android's permission model should gate.
The issue is classified under two related weaknesses. [CWE-476] describes the missing null check itself, while [CWE-862] captures the security consequence — a missing authorization step. The combination transforms what would typically be a stability defect into an authorization bypass. Successful exploitation grants local escalation of privilege with impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Root Cause
The root cause is defensive programming missing at multiple sites in the Bluetooth module. The upstream fix in commit b0e4375577ba7e21bd40edac5990bea418ecdc8c adds the missing null checks so permission enforcement executes on every code path.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access and low privileges on the device, such as an installed application with minimal permissions. The attacker triggers the vulnerable Bluetooth code path with input that leads to a null reference during permission evaluation. Because the check is skipped, the caller receives access to a protected operation. No user interaction is required.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code is available. Refer to the Android Security Bulletin November 2024 and the corresponding Bluetooth module patch for technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-34719
Indicators of Compromise
- Installed applications requesting or invoking Bluetooth APIs inconsistent with their declared functionality.
- Unexpected access to Bluetooth-managed resources by apps that lack the corresponding runtime permission grants.
- Devices running Android 12.0, 12.1, 13.0, or 14.0 without the 2024-11-01 security patch level applied.
Detection Strategies
- Enumerate the ro.build.version.security_patch value across managed Android fleets and flag devices below 2024-11-01.
- Monitor mobile threat defense telemetry for anomalous Bluetooth API usage patterns originating from low-privilege applications.
- Review sideloaded application inventories, since local privilege escalation exploitation typically starts from an attacker-controlled app.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track Android security patch level compliance in enterprise mobility management (EMM) dashboards.
- Alert on applications that call Bluetooth stack interfaces after being installed from outside vetted app stores.
- Correlate device logs from Android logcat and MDM sources to identify permission-bypass behavior against Bluetooth services.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-34719
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Android November 2024 security patch (patch level 2024-11-01 or later) on all devices running Android 12.0, 12.1, 13.0, or 14.0.
- Enforce a minimum security patch level policy through EMM or MDM tooling and block non-compliant devices from sensitive enterprise resources.
- Restrict sideloading and require installation from vetted stores to reduce the local attacker surface.
Patch Information
Google released the fix as part of the Android Security Bulletin November 2024. The upstream source change is documented in the Android Bluetooth Module Update, which introduces the missing null checks in the affected Bluetooth code paths. Device manufacturers integrate the patch into their monthly OEM updates.
Workarounds
- Disable Bluetooth on devices that cannot be updated promptly, particularly in high-risk environments.
- Remove untrusted third-party applications and audit installed applications for those requesting Bluetooth capabilities without justification.
- Segment Android devices from sensitive networks and data until the November 2024 patch level is confirmed present.
# Verify the Android security patch level on a device via ADB
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for remediated devices: 2024-11-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
