CVE-2019-11932 in libpl_droidsonroids_gif
Summary
by MITRE
A double free vulnerability in the DDGifSlurp function in decoding.c in libpl_droidsonroids_gif before 1.2.15, as used in WhatsApp for Android before 2.19.244, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-11932 represents a critical double free error in the libpl_droidsonroids_gif library, specifically within the DDGifSlurp function located in decoding.c. This flaw affects WhatsApp for Android versions prior to 2.19.244 and libpl_droidsonroids_gif versions before 1.2.15, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely. The double free vulnerability occurs when the same memory block is freed twice during the execution of a program, which can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. This particular implementation flaw in the GIF decoding process demonstrates a classic memory management error that violates fundamental security principles and can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized system access or disrupt service availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the GIF parsing logic where the DDGifSlurp function fails to properly validate or track memory allocations and deallocations. When processing maliciously crafted GIF files, the function encounters a scenario where it attempts to free the same memory segment multiple times, potentially causing heap corruption that can be manipulated by an attacker. The vulnerability operates through the manipulation of GIF file structures, particularly in how the library handles image data parsing and memory cleanup operations. This flaw can be triggered during normal GIF file processing, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond viewing a malicious file. The error condition manifests when the library's memory management routines do not properly maintain object state tracking, leading to the reuse of freed memory blocks and potential arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this double free condition to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable Android devices, potentially gaining complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases, where adversaries can establish persistent access through malicious media files. The security implications are severe as this vulnerability affects a widely used messaging application, potentially allowing attackers to compromise millions of devices. The flaw also creates opportunities for privilege escalation and data exfiltration, as demonstrated by similar vulnerabilities in multimedia processing libraries that have been exploited in the wild. Organizations relying on WhatsApp for Android or similar applications using the affected library face significant risk of targeted attacks and widespread compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-11932 involve immediate patching of the affected libpl_droidsonroids_gif library to version 1.2.15 or later, alongside updating WhatsApp applications to version 2.19.244 and higher. Network security controls should include monitoring for suspicious GIF file attachments and implementing content filtering measures to prevent execution of potentially malicious media files. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected library across their infrastructure. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper memory management checks and ensuring that freed memory blocks are properly tracked and not reused. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protections such as heap metadata validation and address space layout randomization to reduce exploitability. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in the future. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper memory management in security-critical applications and the need for thorough code review processes to identify and remediate such flaws before they can be exploited in the wild.