CVE-2019-9316 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-112052432
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9316 resides within the libstagefright media framework component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 10 and earlier versions. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow attackers to extract sensitive information from devices running affected Android versions. 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 information disclosure. The issue manifests in the media processing subsystem where uninitialized variables are accessed, creating potential pathways for information leakage.
The technical flaw occurs when the libstagefright component processes multimedia files, particularly those containing malformed or specially crafted media data. During the parsing of media containers, certain variables that should be properly initialized before use remain uninitialized, creating a scenario where memory contents from previous operations or system allocations may be inadvertently exposed. This uninitialized variable access can result in the leakage of sensitive data such as memory addresses, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, typically through the delivery of malicious media files via email attachments, messaging applications, or web downloads, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9316 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory contents could potentially be leveraged to aid in more sophisticated attacks. Attackers could use the disclosed information to bypass security mechanisms, perform memory layout analysis, or assist in exploitation of other vulnerabilities present in the system. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a technique for "T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter" and "T1106 - Native API" demonstrates how information disclosure can serve as a foundational element for more advanced attack vectors. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it can be triggered through passive means without requiring user consent for malicious code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9316 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. Android users should promptly update to the latest security patches released by Google, which include fixes specifically addressing the uninitialized variable issue in libstagefright. Organizations implementing mobile device management solutions should ensure that all Android devices within their ecosystem are updated to versions containing the patched libstagefright component. Additionally, security professionals should implement network-based filtering to block suspicious media file attachments and consider deploying application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted media processing applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and variable initialization in security-critical code components, reinforcing the need for comprehensive code review processes that specifically address uninitialized variable usage patterns.