CVE-2019-2224 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ReadMATImage of mat.c, 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 when loading a MATLAB image file 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-140328986
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-2224 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the ReadMATImage function of the mat.c file, which forms part of the Android operating system's image processing capabilities. This issue resides in the MATLAB file format handling component, specifically affecting Android versions 8.0 through 10, making it a widespread concern across multiple Android releases. The flaw stems from insufficient bounds checking during the processing of MATLAB image files, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted image data could trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution risk means that an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code on a target device without requiring elevated privileges, though user interaction remains necessary for successful exploitation. This requirement for user interaction does not diminish the severity of the vulnerability, as social engineering attacks could easily facilitate exploitation through malicious file attachments or links.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer or array. The flaw manifests specifically in the ReadMATImage function where the code fails to validate the size of data structures before attempting to write to memory locations. When processing MATLAB image files, the system does not adequately verify that the expected data dimensions match the actual data being read, allowing for a situation where a buffer overflow can occur. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could potentially involve code execution within the application's memory space. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an attacker to craft a malicious MATLAB image file that, when opened by an Android device, triggers the buffer overflow condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-2224 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to Android device security and user privacy. Since the vulnerability affects core image processing functionality, any application that handles MATLAB files could potentially be exploited, including email clients, file managers, and document viewers. The fact that no additional execution privileges are required makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it can be exploited through standard user-level interactions. The Android ID A-140328986 indicates this vulnerability was properly tracked and acknowledged by Google's security team, highlighting the severity of the issue within the Android ecosystem. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Android versions suggests that attackers could target a broad user base, making it a prime candidate for widespread exploitation. Organizations and individuals must consider this vulnerability as a potential attack vector when evaluating their mobile security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-2224 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the relevant Android security patches provided by Google, which address the specific bounds checking issues in the mat.c file. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to the latest security releases, particularly targeting the Android versions 8.0 through 10 where this vulnerability exists. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can help prevent unauthorized MATLAB file processing, though this approach may impact legitimate use cases. Network-level protections such as email filtering and web content filtering can reduce the risk of exploitation by blocking malicious MATLAB files before they reach user devices. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution risk means that organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of Android applications and system components can help identify similar bounds checking issues that may exist in other parts of the Android framework, following the principle of defense in depth. Security awareness training for users regarding suspicious file attachments and the importance of keeping devices updated remains crucial in mitigating this and similar vulnerabilities.