CVE-2019-9268 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libstagefright, there is a possible use-after-free due to improper locking. This could lead to local escalation of privilege in the media server with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-77474014
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9268 resides within the libstagefright media framework component of Android systems, representing a critical use-after-free flaw that enables local privilege escalation. This issue specifically affects Android 10 and is tracked under Android ID A-77474014, demonstrating the severity and widespread impact of such vulnerabilities within the mobile operating system ecosystem. The flaw manifests in the improper locking mechanisms within the media server process, creating a race condition scenario where memory resources are accessed after being freed, potentially allowing malicious code to manipulate system processes and gain elevated privileges without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the media server's handling of multimedia content processing, where libstagefright's inadequate synchronization mechanisms fail to properly protect shared resources during concurrent access scenarios. When the media server processes certain malformed media files or performs specific multimedia operations, the improper locking allows for a race condition that results in memory deallocation followed by subsequent access attempts. This fundamental flaw in resource management creates a predictable exploitation vector where attackers can craft specific inputs that trigger the use-after-free condition, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the privileged media server context.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9268 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a direct pathway to compromise the entire media processing subsystem of Android devices. This vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates within the media server process, which typically runs with elevated privileges and has extensive access to system resources, including camera, microphone, and file system operations. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any user involvement, potentially enabling remote attacks through malicious media files delivered via various channels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application through official Android security updates, as the flaw exists within core system components that cannot be easily bypassed through application-level controls. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize deployment of the relevant security patches to prevent exploitation, while also implementing monitoring for suspicious media processing activities that might indicate attempted exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper synchronization mechanisms in system-level components, emphasizing the need for robust concurrency control and memory management practices. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as sandboxing for media processing, input validation for multimedia content, and regular security audits of system components that handle user-provided data to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.