CVE-2019-9282 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In skia, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-113211371
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9282 resides within the skia graphics library component of the Android operating system, specifically affecting Android 10 versions. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that occurs due to a missing bounds check in the graphics rendering subsystem. The skia library serves as a fundamental graphics engine responsible for rendering user interface elements, images, and graphical content across Android devices. When processing certain graphical inputs or rendering operations, the library fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries, creating a potential entry point for information disclosure attacks.
The technical flaw manifests as a missing bounds check within the skia graphics processing pipeline, which falls under the CWE-129 vulnerability category representing "Improper Validation of Array Index." This specific weakness allows an attacker to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries through crafted graphical content or malformed image data. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, meaning that a malicious actor must convince a victim to view or interact with specifically crafted content that triggers the vulnerable code path. This interaction typically occurs through multimedia content, web browsing, or application data that utilizes the skia graphics library for rendering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially expose sensitive data stored in adjacent memory regions. Attackers could leverage this out-of-bounds read to extract information from the device's memory space, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, application data, or system configuration details. The absence of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it can be exploited through standard user interaction scenarios without requiring elevated privileges or root access. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers can use legitimate system functions to extract information rather than relying on direct code execution.
The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious graphical content or web content that, when rendered by the skia library, triggers the out-of-bounds read condition. This could occur through specially formatted images, PDF documents, or other multimedia content that the Android system processes using the vulnerable graphics library. The vulnerability affects the Android 10 operating system and is tracked under Android ID A-113211371, indicating its classification within Google's internal vulnerability tracking system. Mitigation strategies should focus on updating to patched versions of the Android operating system, applying security updates promptly, and implementing network-level protections to filter potentially malicious content before it reaches user devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input validation and bounds checking in graphics rendering libraries, particularly those handling untrusted user data.
This vulnerability represents a classic example of how graphics processing libraries can become attack vectors in modern operating systems, where seemingly benign rendering operations can expose critical system information. The attack surface is broad as skia is used extensively throughout Android for UI rendering, web content display, and multimedia processing, making it a valuable target for information disclosure attacks. Security practitioners should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in graphics libraries and ensure proper input validation mechanisms are in place to prevent unauthorized memory access patterns. The vulnerability underscores the need for robust memory safety practices in system libraries and highlights the importance of regular security audits of core operating system components.