CVE-2024-56190 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel's wireless configuration scanning code, specifically within the wl_update_hidden_ap_ie() function in the wl_cfgscan.c source file. The root cause is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) triggered by improper input validation (CWE-20). This flaw allows a local attacker, who already has limited privileges on the device, to write outside the intended memory bounds, potentially overwriting critical kernel data structures. Such memory corruption can lead to elevation of privilege, enabling the attacker to gain higher-level kernel privileges without requiring additional execution privileges or any user interaction. The vulnerability is exploitable locally, meaning an attacker must have some access to the device but does not need to trick the user into any action. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity due to the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with relatively low attack complexity and no user interaction required. The vulnerability affects the Android kernel, which is a core component of the operating system, making it a critical security concern. While no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the nature of the vulnerability suggests that exploitation could lead to full device compromise. The vulnerability was reserved in December 2024 and published in September 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or fixes are linked in the provided data, so organizations should monitor for official updates from Google and Android maintainers.

The impact of CVE-2024-56190 is significant for organizations worldwide that rely on Android devices for business operations, communications, or data storage. Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to escalate privileges to kernel level, potentially gaining full control over the device. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, disruption of device availability, and bypass of security controls. For enterprises deploying Android devices in sensitive environments such as government, finance, healthcare, or critical infrastructure, this vulnerability poses a serious risk of data breaches and operational disruption. The lack of required user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation once local access is obtained, increasing the threat from insider attackers or malware that has gained limited foothold. The widespread use of Android globally, including in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios, increases the attack surface. Additionally, the kernel-level nature of the flaw means that traditional application sandboxing and user-level mitigations may be insufficient to contain the threat. Organizations may face reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses if exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2024-56190 effectively, organizations should: 1) Monitor official Google and Android security advisories closely for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 2) Restrict local access to Android devices by enforcing strong device authentication, limiting physical access, and controlling app installation permissions to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 3) Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, monitor device integrity, and remotely isolate or wipe compromised devices. 4) Use kernel integrity verification tools and runtime protections such as SELinux enforcing mode to limit the impact of kernel-level exploits. 5) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications or granting excessive permissions that could facilitate local privilege escalation. 6) For high-security environments, consider deploying Android devices with verified boot enabled and minimal attack surface configurations. 7) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on local privilege escalation vectors to identify and remediate potential exploitation paths. 8) Implement network segmentation and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. These steps go beyond generic patching advice by emphasizing access control, runtime protections, and proactive monitoring tailored to kernel-level vulnerabilities.