CVE-2019-9325 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libvpx, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. 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-112001302
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9325 resides within the libvpx library, a critical component used for video codec processing in various Android systems including Android 10. This issue manifests as a potential out of bounds read condition that occurs when the software fails to properly validate array indices before accessing memory locations. The flaw exists in the video decoding implementation where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory access beyond allocated buffer boundaries. Such a condition typically arises when processing malformed video content that contains crafted parameters designed to trigger the vulnerability during normal decoding operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and potentially CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. The attack vector requires user interaction to be successful, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to open or process a specially crafted video file or media content. This interaction requirement provides some defense-in-depth as it prevents fully automated exploitation, but does not eliminate the risk entirely. The vulnerability's impact extends to information disclosure, where an attacker could potentially extract sensitive data from memory locations adjacent to the corrupted buffer, though no arbitrary code execution is possible through this specific flaw.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability affects Android devices running Android 10 and represents a significant security concern for users who may encounter malicious media content through various channels including email attachments, messaging applications, or web browsing. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this particularly concerning as it can be leveraged by attackers without needing elevated system permissions. The vulnerability's classification under the Android security advisory A-112001302 indicates it was recognized as a critical issue requiring prompt patching and system updates. Organizations and users must understand that while the vulnerability requires user interaction, the potential for information disclosure across system memory boundaries could expose sensitive data including cryptographic keys, personal information, or system credentials that might be stored in adjacent memory regions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9325 primarily focus on applying the relevant Android security patches and updates that address the bounds checking issue in the libvpx library implementation. System administrators should prioritize updating affected Android devices to the latest security patches, particularly those released by Google as part of their regular security update cycle. Additionally, implementing content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms for media processing can provide additional protection layers. Network security teams should consider monitoring for suspicious media file patterns and implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices in multimedia libraries, emphasizing the need for rigorous bounds checking and input validation in all memory management operations. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically deploy security patches and maintain updated security configurations across all managed devices to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.