CVE-2019-9293 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libstagefright, 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-117661116
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9293 resides within the libstagefright multimedia framework component of Android systems, representing a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that fundamentally compromises system security. This issue affects Android 10 and earlier versions, with the Android ID A-117661116 tracking the specific vulnerability within Google's internal reporting system. The flaw manifests in the stagefright framework's handling of multimedia file parsing, specifically when processing certain malformed or crafted media content that lacks proper bounds checking mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation during the parsing of multimedia containers, particularly those utilizing the Advanced Systems Format (ASF) or similar container formats. When the libstagefright component encounters malformed media files, it fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations, leading to unauthorized read operations beyond allocated memory regions. This missing bounds check creates a predictable access pattern that can be exploited by malicious actors to extract sensitive information from adjacent memory locations, potentially including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system memory contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables remote attackers to potentially reconstruct sensitive data through carefully crafted media files delivered via email attachments, messaging applications, or web downloads. The exploitation requires user interaction, typically through opening or playing a malicious media file, which aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1204.002 for 'User Execution: Malicious File' and demonstrates how social engineering remains a critical component in successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure vulnerability under CWE-129 indicates a direct violation of input validation principles, where the system fails to properly validate input boundaries before processing.
From a security perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant concern for Android devices as it operates without requiring additional execution privileges, meaning attackers can leverage it through standard user-level operations. The attack surface is broad since multimedia files are commonly encountered across various applications and services, making the exploitation vector highly accessible. Organizations should consider implementing network-level protections such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to limit exposure, while also prioritizing timely patch deployment to address the underlying bounds checking deficiencies in the libstagefright implementation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust memory safety practices and proper input validation in multimedia processing components, aligning with industry standards that emphasize the need for comprehensive boundary checking and memory access validation in security-critical frameworks.