CVE-2019-2168 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libxaac there is a possible information disclosure due to uninitialized data. This could lead to information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-118492594
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2168 resides within the libxaac library component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 implementations. This issue represents a classic case of information disclosure through uninitialized memory access, where sensitive data may be inadvertently exposed to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-248, which addresses the exposure of uninitialized variables, making it a fundamental security flaw in memory management practices. The Android ID A-118492594 further validates this as a system-level concern requiring immediate attention from security teams and device manufacturers.
The technical flaw manifests when the libxaac library processes audio data without properly initializing certain memory regions before use. This uninitialized data may contain remnants from previous operations, including sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system configuration details. When audio encoding or decoding operations occur, these memory segments could be inadvertently included in the output streams or processed data, creating potential information leakage pathways. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the multimedia framework, specifically affecting AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) audio processing functionalities. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which focuses on data from local system repositories, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage for information gathering.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning attackers cannot trigger the flaw autonomously through network-based attacks. Instead, a user must perform specific actions such as playing audio content, opening media files, or interacting with applications that utilize the affected libxaac library. This user interaction requirement reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the threat entirely, as social engineering campaigns could potentially guide users to trigger the vulnerability. The impact of information disclosure through uninitialized data can be severe, as it may expose sensitive system information that could aid in subsequent attacks, including privilege escalation or further exploitation of other system components. The vulnerability does not require additional execution privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious applications or compromised user accounts without elevated permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2168 should focus on comprehensive system updates and patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of Android 10 security updates that address this specific memory initialization issue. Additionally, implementing proper code review processes that enforce initialization of all variables before use can prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations. The fix typically involves modifying the libxaac library to ensure all memory regions are properly initialized before processing audio data. Security teams should also monitor for any potential indirect exploitation pathways through third-party applications that may leverage the affected library, ensuring that all audio processing components undergo rigorous security testing. Network administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual data patterns that might indicate information disclosure events, particularly in environments where audio processing is prevalent.