CVE-2019-9319 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libavc, 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-111762100
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9319 resides within the libavc library component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 releases. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from a missing variable initialization within the video codec processing subsystem. The vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities, where improper initialization of variables can lead to the exposure of sensitive data that should remain confidential. The flaw exists in the way the system handles video processing operations, particularly when dealing with certain codec parameters that are not properly initialized before use.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of uninitialized memory access that can be exploited through remote means without requiring elevated privileges or additional execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting specially formatted video content that triggers the uninitialized variable during processing. The exploitation requires user interaction, meaning that a victim must intentionally open or play the malicious media file for the vulnerability to be triggered. This user interaction requirement significantly impacts the attack surface but does not eliminate the threat, as social engineering techniques can easily convince users to interact with malicious content. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the Android framework, specifically within the media processing pipeline that handles video decoding operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9319 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information that may aid attackers in further compromising the device. The lack of proper variable initialization creates a scenario where memory contents from previous operations or system state information could be inadvertently exposed to unauthorized access. This type of vulnerability can be particularly dangerous when combined with other exploits, as it provides attackers with additional information that could be used for privilege escalation or targeted attacks against the device. The vulnerability affects the Android 10 operating system and is tracked under Android ID A-111762100, indicating its severity and the specific system components that require remediation. The flaw aligns with CWE-457, which specifically addresses the use of uninitialized variables in software development practices. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves the execution of malicious code through legitimate system processes, and potentially T1068 which covers privilege escalation through system vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9319 primarily focus on system updates and patches provided by Google as part of their regular security updates for Android 10. Device administrators should prioritize applying the latest security patches that address this specific vulnerability within the libavc library. Additionally, organizations should implement network-level controls to filter potentially malicious media content and consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can automatically apply security updates. Users should be educated about the risks of opening unknown or untrusted media files, particularly those received through email attachments, messaging applications, or downloaded content from unverified sources. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual media processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in embedded systems and mobile operating environments where memory management and variable initialization are critical for system security. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their mobile device environments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other system components or third-party libraries.