CVE-2015-2001 in MetaIO
Summary
by MITRE
The MetaIO SDK before 6.0.2.1 for Android might allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging a finalize method in a Serializable class that improperly passes an attacker-controlled pointer to a native function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2001 resides within the MetaIO SDK version 6.0.2.1 and earlier for Android platforms, representing a critical security flaw that could enable remote code execution. This issue specifically targets the SDK's handling of serialized objects and demonstrates how improper object lifecycle management can create severe security implications. The vulnerability stems from a flaw in the Android serialization mechanism where a finalize method in a Serializable class fails to properly validate or sanitize attacker-controlled input before passing it to native functions, creating a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Java serialization processes within the Android environment. When a Serializable object undergoes deserialization, the finalize method is invoked as part of the object cleanup process, and in this case, the method improperly handles attacker-controlled data. This flaw falls under CWE-457, which addresses the use of uninitialized variables, and more specifically relates to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds writes and the improper handling of memory pointers. The vulnerability creates a scenario where an attacker can craft malicious serialized data that, when processed by the MetaIO SDK, results in a native function call with an attacker-controlled pointer, effectively bypassing Android's security model and allowing execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a complete compromise of the application's security boundaries. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain full control over applications that utilize the MetaIO SDK, potentially leading to data theft, privacy violations, and further escalation within the device's attack surface. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction beyond the installation of malicious content, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where applications process untrusted data from external sources. This weakness directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of script-based languages for execution, as the native code execution bypasses standard Android security controls and operates at a lower system level where traditional application sandboxing is insufficient to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2001 focus primarily on updating to MetaIO SDK version 6.0.2.1 or later, which includes proper validation of serialized object data before native function calls. Organizations should implement comprehensive code review processes to identify similar patterns in their own applications that might be vulnerable to similar serialization flaws, particularly examining any use of custom finalize methods or native function calls triggered by serialized objects. Additionally, developers should consider implementing strict input validation for all serialized data and avoid using potentially unsafe serialization patterns that could expose native function calls to attacker-controlled data. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in mobile environments and highlights the critical need for proper handling of object lifecycle management in Android applications, particularly when native code integration is involved.