CVE-2019-9338 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libavc 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-111762686
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9338 resides within the libavc component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 builds. This issue represents a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from the improper handling of uninitialized data structures within the video codec processing pipeline. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly initialize memory regions before processing video data, creating potential pathways for sensitive information leakage.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes the use of uninitialized variables in security-sensitive contexts. In the libavc library, certain data structures and memory buffers are not properly initialized before being processed, allowing residual data from previous operations to persist and potentially expose confidential information. This uninitialized data exposure occurs during video decoding operations where the system processes multimedia content without ensuring proper memory sanitization. The flaw specifically impacts the AVC (Advanced Video Coding) video processing framework, which is fundamental to Android's multimedia capabilities.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, typically through the delivery of malicious video content or media files that trigger the affected libavc processing path. However, the attack vector is particularly concerning because it does not require elevated privileges or additional execution capabilities beyond normal user access. An attacker can leverage this weakness to remotely extract sensitive information from the device's memory, potentially including cryptographic keys, user data, or system configuration details. The remote nature of the information disclosure means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability through network-based attacks without physical device access.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9338 extends beyond simple information leakage, as it can compromise the overall security posture of affected Android devices. This vulnerability undermines the principle of least privilege and can potentially enable further attacks by exposing system internals that might be used to bypass other security controls. The vulnerability affects all Android 10 devices and represents a significant risk to user privacy and data protection. The fact that exploitation requires only user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios where users frequently interact with multimedia content from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of the Android security patch released by Google, which addresses the uninitialized data handling issue within libavc. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that ensure timely patch deployment and monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering solutions that can detect and block potentially malicious video content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around memory initialization and data sanitization, as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of interacting with untrusted multimedia content and the importance of keeping their devices updated with the latest security patches. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for robust memory management practices in mobile operating systems and serves as a reminder of the potential security implications of seemingly minor coding oversights in system components that handle sensitive data processing.