CVE-2015-2004 in GNSDK SDK
Summary
by MITRE
The GraceNote GNSDK SDK before SVN Changeset 1.1.7 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-2015-2004 resides within the GraceNote GNSDK SDK version prior to SVN Changeset 1.1.7 for Android platforms, representing a critical security flaw that could enable remote code execution. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of serialized objects within the SDK's implementation, specifically through a finalize method that interfaces with native code functions. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-457, which addresses the use of uninitialized variables, and CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds writes, as the attacker-controlled pointer manipulation could lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Android serialization mechanism where a Serializable class contains a finalize method that invokes native functions through the Java Native Interface. When an attacker can control the serialized data, they can manipulate the pointer passed to these native functions, potentially redirecting execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Android applications, specifically targeting the execution of native code through improper serialization handling. The SDK's failure to validate or sanitize the serialized data before invoking native functions creates a direct attack surface where malicious input can be transformed into arbitrary code execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to applications utilizing the GraceNote GNSDK, particularly those handling user-provided content or remote data sources. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable SDK, would trigger the finalize method and execute arbitrary native code with the privileges of the affected application. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be triggered through normal SDK usage patterns, making it difficult to detect and prevent without proper input validation. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers could potentially compromise devices through network-based attacks without requiring local access or user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the GNSDK to version 1.1.7 or later, which addresses the improper serialization handling through enhanced validation of serialized data and secure native function invocation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation for any data processed through the SDK, particularly when dealing with third-party or untrusted content. The mitigation approach should align with security best practices outlined in OWASP Mobile Top 10 and NIST Mobile Security Guidelines, emphasizing the importance of secure serialization practices and native code security. Additionally, runtime monitoring and anomaly detection should be implemented to identify potential exploitation attempts, while application sandboxing and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in mobile SDK development, particularly regarding the interaction between managed code and native functions.