CVE-2019-9315 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libhevc, 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-112326216
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9315 affects the libhevc library within Android systems, specifically Android 10 and related versions. This issue stems from a critical missing variable initialization flaw that creates a potential pathway for remote information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability exists within the hardware-based HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) decoder implementation, which is part of the Android Media Framework and handles video decoding operations for high-definition content. The affected component operates at a low level within the system architecture where uninitialized variables can lead to unpredictable behavior and data leakage.
The technical flaw manifests when the libhevc library processes HEVC video streams without properly initializing certain variables before use. This uninitialized variable condition creates a scenario where memory contents from previous operations or system state may be inadvertently exposed through the video decoding process. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, typically through the presentation of a malicious HEVC video file or stream that triggers the affected code path during playback. The attack vector operates through the standard Android media processing pipeline where video content is decoded and rendered, making it accessible to attackers who can deliver malicious content through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or streaming services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it represents a potential security boundary violation within the Android system's media processing capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from memory locations that should remain protected, potentially including cryptographic keys, system credentials, or other confidential data that might be stored in memory regions accessible to the video decoding process. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-457 which describes "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The vulnerability's classification as remote information disclosure indicates that it does not require physical access or elevated privileges, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security where users frequently interact with untrusted content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9315 primarily focus on system updates and patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. Android security updates typically address such issues through kernel-level fixes in the libhevc library implementation, ensuring proper variable initialization before memory operations occur. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security patches for Android 10 and ensure that all affected devices receive the necessary updates. Additionally, users should avoid opening suspicious video content or downloading media from untrusted sources, as the exploitation requires user interaction through media playback. Network-level monitoring and content filtering can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though the primary remediation relies on proper system patching and maintaining current security configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in system-level components and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of uninitialized variable scenarios in security-critical code paths.