CVE-2019-2063 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libxaac, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution in the media server with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-116019594
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2063 resides within the libxaac library component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 deployments. This issue represents a critical security flaw that manifests as a possible out of bounds write condition stemming from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms. The vulnerability operates within the audio processing subsystem where the libxaac library handles AAC audio encoding and decoding operations, making it a potential entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise media server processes. The flaw's classification as a remote code execution vulnerability indicates that attackers can potentially exploit this weakness without requiring elevated privileges, though user interaction remains a prerequisite for successful exploitation. The Android ID A-116019594 specifically documents this vulnerability within Google's internal tracking system, highlighting its significance in the Android security landscape.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices or buffer bounds. In the libxaac library, the absence of adequate bounds checking during audio data processing creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate input data in such a way that memory writes extend beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations, including critical program control structures or function pointers, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an attacker to craft specially formatted audio content that, when processed by the vulnerable media server, triggers the out of bounds write condition. The fact that this occurs within the media server context means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise without the need for additional privilege escalation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2063 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system-wide compromise through the media processing pipeline. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive audio data processing capabilities, potentially enabling surveillance or data exfiltration scenarios. The requirement for user interaction means that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering tactics such as phishing emails containing malicious audio attachments or compromised media files distributed through unofficial channels. This vulnerability affects the Android media framework's security model, particularly concerning the trust model between different system components and user applications. The media server component's role in processing multimedia content makes it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to devices, as it operates with elevated privileges to handle various audio formats and codecs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2063 should focus on immediate system updates and implementation of defensive measures within the media processing stack. Android users must ensure their devices receive the appropriate security patches released by Google, which typically include enhanced bounds checking mechanisms within the libxaac library. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious media file transfers and consider deploying application whitelisting policies to restrict processing of untrusted audio content. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, suggests that exploitation might involve command injection through the compromised media processing pipeline. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing measures for media processing components and establishing robust incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves adding proper input validation and bounds checking to prevent memory corruption during audio data processing, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.