CVE-2019-2172 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-113035224
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2172 resides within the libxaac library component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 implementations. This flaw represents a critical information disclosure issue that stems from the improper handling of uninitialized data structures during audio processing operations. The vulnerability manifests when the audio codec library fails to properly initialize memory segments before processing audio data, creating potential exposure of sensitive information that may have been previously stored in those memory locations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes "Use of Uninitialized Variable" as a fundamental flaw in software development practices. The issue occurs within the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) decoding functionality where the libxaac library processes audio streams without ensuring that all data structures are properly initialized before use. When audio frames are decoded, the uninitialized memory regions may contain remnants of previously processed data, potentially exposing confidential information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other sensitive operational data that was previously stored in those memory locations.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to perform a specific action such as playing a specially crafted audio file or engaging with a malicious application that triggers the affected codec processing path. This requirement for user interaction reduces the attack surface compared to fully autonomous exploits but does not eliminate the threat entirely. The vulnerability can be leveraged to extract information that might otherwise remain confidential, potentially enabling further attacks or compromising system security through data leakage.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2172 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could potentially be used to reconstruct sensitive information or aid in more sophisticated attacks against the affected system. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into system memory patterns, application behavior, or even extract cryptographic material that could be used to break encryption or impersonate legitimate system components. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be leveraged by attackers with minimal privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on ensuring proper initialization of all data structures within the libxaac library and implementing robust memory management practices. Android security updates typically address such issues through library patches that enforce proper initialization sequences and memory clearing operations. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant Android security patches and updates to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any unusual audio processing behavior or unexpected information disclosure patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management in multimedia processing libraries, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation contexts.