CVE-2019-9320 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-111761624
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9320 resides within the libavc library component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 releases. This issue manifests as a missing variable initialization flaw that creates a potential security risk for information disclosure. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the multimedia processing framework, where improper initialization of variables can lead to unpredictable behavior and data exposure. The affected libavc library handles video decoding and processing operations, making it a critical component in Android's media stack. Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability under the broader category of information disclosure flaws that can compromise system integrity.
The technical flaw occurs when variables within the libavc library fail to be properly initialized before use, creating potential memory state issues that could be exploited to extract sensitive information from system memory. This missing initialization typically results in uninitialized memory values being read and potentially exposed to unauthorized processes or applications. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit successfully, meaning an attacker must convince a user to perform a specific action such as opening a malicious file or media content. This user interaction requirement provides some defense-in-depth but does not eliminate the risk entirely. The flaw represents a classic example of improper initialization that can lead to information leakage through memory corruption patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9320 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose system memory contents that might include sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential information. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the system's memory layout, which could then be used to facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The remote exploitation capability means that malicious actors could potentially access this information from outside the device without requiring additional privileges or execution rights. This vulnerability specifically impacts Android 10 systems and represents a significant concern for device security and user privacy protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9320 primarily involve applying the latest security patches and updates provided by Google for Android 10 devices. Users should ensure their systems are updated to the most recent security releases that address this specific initialization flaw. System administrators should implement monitoring for unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes the use of uninitialized variables, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to protect against potential data exposure incidents. Regular security audits of media processing components and proper code review practices can help prevent similar initialization issues in future software development cycles.