CVE-2019-9334 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libhevc there is a possible information disclosure due to uninitialized data. 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-112859934
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9334 resides within the libhevc library component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 implementations. This issue represents a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from the improper handling of uninitialized memory data during video decoding processes. The vulnerability manifests when the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) decoder encounters certain malformed video streams, leading to the accidental exposure of sensitive data from adjacent memory locations. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the multimedia subsystem, where the libhevc library processes video frames without properly initializing memory regions before use. This creates a scenario where residual data from previous operations or system memory contents could be inadvertently exposed to unauthorized access paths.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a specific sequence of conditions to be met, as it necessitates user interaction for successful exploitation. Attackers must first convince a victim to open a maliciously crafted video file or stream that triggers the vulnerable code path within the libhevc library. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-248, which specifically addresses "Uncaught Exception" conditions where programs fail to handle exceptional conditions properly. This type of vulnerability falls into the broader category of information exposure flaws that can potentially reveal sensitive system information, credentials, or other confidential data stored in memory. The attack vector operates through the multimedia framework where the system attempts to decode HEVC video content, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of video streaming applications on mobile devices.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9334 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the leaked information reveals system configuration details. The remote nature of exploitation means that attackers can potentially compromise Android devices through malicious content delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or compromised streaming services without requiring additional privileges or execution capabilities. The vulnerability affects all Android 10 devices and could be leveraged by threat actors to gather intelligence about device configurations, system memory layouts, or potentially even cryptographic keys that might be stored in adjacent memory regions. This information disclosure could serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, including privilege escalation attempts or targeted exploitation of other system components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Android security updates released by Google addressed this issue through proper memory initialization routines within the libhevc library, ensuring that all memory regions are properly cleared before video decoding operations begin. Organizations should implement mandatory patch deployment policies for all Android devices, particularly those handling sensitive information or operating in high-risk environments. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious video content, deploying mobile device management solutions that enforce security policies, and conducting regular security assessments of multimedia applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, where proper validation could prevent exploitation through malformed content. System administrators should monitor for indicators of compromise related to video decoding activities and ensure that all multimedia processing components undergo regular security reviews to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other codecs or processing libraries.