CVE-2019-2201 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In generate_jsimd_ycc_rgb_convert_neon of jsimd_arm64_neon.S, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution in an unprivileged process with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9 Android-10Android ID: A-120551338
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2201 resides within the Android operating system's image processing library, specifically in the ARM64 NEON optimized assembly code responsible for converting YCC to RGB color formats. This flaw exists in the generate_jsimd_ycc_rgb_convert_neon function located in the jsimd_arm64_neon.S file, which is part of the libjpeg-turbo library used for image decoding operations. The vulnerability manifests as a missing bounds check that allows for out-of-bounds memory write operations, representing a critical security flaw that could be exploited to execute arbitrary code on affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of input parameters during the color space conversion process. When processing JPEG images, the function processes pixel data in chunks and performs calculations that assume certain memory boundaries are properly maintained. However, the absence of bounds checking means that maliciously crafted image data could cause the processor to write beyond allocated memory regions, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program data structures. This memory corruption scenario directly aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe as it enables remote code execution without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond the mere act of viewing a maliciously crafted image file. This makes it especially dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently encounter images from untrusted sources such as email attachments, web content, or social media platforms. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including 8.0, 8.1, 9, and 10, indicating it was present across a significant portion of the Android ecosystem and could potentially impact millions of devices. The exploitation mechanism leverages the ARM64 architecture's NEON SIMD capabilities, making it particularly effective on modern mobile processors that utilize these optimized instruction sets for multimedia processing.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1547.001 for registry run keys. The attack surface extends beyond simple image viewing to include any application that processes JPEG images through the affected library, including web browsers, email clients, image viewers, and social media applications. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability in a wide range of attack vectors without needing to first compromise other system components. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability's exploitation is relatively straightforward once a suitable payload is crafted, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2201 primarily involve applying the security patches released by Google as part of their Android security updates, which include fixes for the bounds checking issue in the affected assembly code. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across all affected Android devices, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile device management systems can automate the update process. Additionally, network administrators should implement content filtering measures to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious image files, and security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability. The fix typically involves adding proper bounds checking to ensure that memory access operations remain within legitimate buffer boundaries, preventing the out-of-bounds write conditions that enable remote code execution.