CVE-2019-9303 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libFDK, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-112661057
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9303 resides within the libFDK library, a critical component in Android's multimedia processing framework responsible for audio decoding and encoding operations. This flaw represents a serious security concern that could potentially allow remote code execution through a carefully crafted malicious audio file. The vulnerability manifests as an integer overflow condition that occurs during the processing of audio data, specifically when handling certain audio frame parameters. The integer overflow creates a scenario where the application attempts to write data beyond the bounds of allocated memory regions, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious audio file that triggers the integer overflow condition within the libFDK library. The flaw occurs during the parsing of audio frames where the library fails to properly validate integer values before performing arithmetic operations that could result in overflow conditions. When such overflow occurs, the application allocates insufficient memory for processing the audio data, creating opportunities for buffer overflow conditions that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented class of vulnerabilities that frequently leads to memory corruption issues. The attack vector requires user interaction as the malicious file must be processed by the vulnerable system, typically through normal media playback operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9303 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain complete control over the affected Android device, potentially accessing sensitive user data, installing malicious applications, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects Android 10 systems and represents a significant risk to mobile device security, as it requires no additional privileges for exploitation and can be triggered through standard media processing operations. The Android ID A-112661057 indicates this vulnerability was properly tracked and addressed within the Android security framework, highlighting the importance of timely patching and updates. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it could enable attackers to execute malicious code through compromised media processing components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Android users and administrators must ensure all affected devices receive the latest security updates from their respective vendors, as the fix typically involves correcting the integer overflow condition within the libFDK library. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing and runtime monitoring can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network-level controls such as content filtering and media scanning can provide additional protection by preventing malicious audio files from reaching vulnerable systems. Security professionals should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect suspicious memory access patterns or buffer overflow attempts during media processing operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and integer overflow protection in multimedia libraries, particularly those handling untrusted user data. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their Android device management policies and ensure comprehensive patch management procedures are in place to address similar vulnerabilities in the future.