CVE-2019-2223 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ihevcd_ref_list of ihevcd_ref_list.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution 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-140692129
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2223 resides within the ihevcd_ref_list component of the Android media framework, specifically in the ihevcd_ref_list.c source file. This flaw represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition that can be exploited to achieve remote code execution without requiring any additional privileges. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including Android 8.0, 8.1, 9, and 10, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these operating system versions across mobile devices worldwide. The Android ID A-140692129 indicates this issue was properly tracked and documented within Google's internal vulnerability management system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check within the reference list management code of the ihevcd decoder. When processing video streams, the decoder fails to validate array indices before writing data to memory locations, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate input data and cause unintended memory writes. This type of flaw falls under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability manifests when the decoder processes malformed video content, particularly within the reference list management functions that handle video frame references during decoding operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2223 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Since no additional privileges are required for exploitation, attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected media files. The requirement for user interaction suggests that exploitation typically occurs when users open malicious content, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. The vulnerability's presence in the media decoding stack means that any device capable of playing video content could potentially be compromised, making it a prime target for mobile malware campaigns and advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, which would address the bounds checking deficiency in the reference list management code. Organizations should prioritize updating affected Android devices to the latest security patches released by Google, particularly those addressing the ihevcd decoder component. Network-based defenses can include implementing content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious media content, though these measures provide only partial protection given the vulnerability's nature. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all Android devices within organizational networks have been properly updated to prevent potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in multimedia processing components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of media decoding libraries.