CVE-2019-9313 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libstagefright, there is a missing variable initialization. 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-112005441
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9313 resides within the libstagefright multimedia framework component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 10 and earlier versions. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from a missing variable initialization within the media processing pipeline, creating potential for unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-457 which defines "Use of Uninitialized Variable" as a fundamental programming error that can lead to unpredictable behavior and security implications. The affected component processes multimedia content including audio and video files, making it a prime target for exploitation through malicious media files delivered via various attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing of media files where libstagefright fails to properly initialize certain variables before their use in memory operations. This uninitialized variable behavior can result in the exposure of sensitive data from adjacent memory locations, potentially revealing system information, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data. The flaw requires user interaction for exploitation, typically through the playback of a maliciously crafted media file, which means that an attacker must convince a victim to open or play a specially constructed multimedia file. This interaction requirement places the vulnerability in the category of user-initiated attacks rather than fully autonomous exploits, though it still represents a significant security risk given the widespread use of multimedia content in daily Android operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9313 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed memory contents could potentially contain sensitive system information that might aid in further exploitation attempts. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the target device, potentially identifying system configurations, installed applications, or other contextual information that could be used in subsequent attacks. The vulnerability's classification under the Android Security Bulletins as a remote information disclosure issue indicates that it could be exploited without requiring additional execution privileges, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where users might encounter malicious content in emails, messaging applications, or web browsing contexts. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the vulnerability could potentially be leveraged to establish more sophisticated attack chains.
The mitigation approach for this vulnerability primarily involves updating to patched versions of Android where the uninitialized variable issue has been resolved through proper initialization of all variables before use. Google released security patches for Android 10 and earlier versions that address this specific flaw by ensuring that all variables within the media processing pipeline are properly initialized before any memory operations occur. Organizations and users should prioritize applying these patches immediately, as the vulnerability's remote exploitation capability combined with its low privilege requirements makes it particularly dangerous. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as content filtering and restricting user interaction with untrusted multimedia content can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and variable initialization practices in security-critical code, particularly in components that process untrusted input data from external sources.