CVE-2019-9346 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libstagefright, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-128433933
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9346 resides within the libstagefright multimedia framework component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 10 and earlier versions. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that manifests as a heap buffer overflow condition, allowing for potentially severe remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which encompasses heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits writing beyond allocated memory boundaries. The affected component processes multimedia files and streams, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit media handling capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when libstagefright processes specially crafted media files that contain malformed data structures. During the parsing of these files, the system fails to properly validate buffer boundaries, leading to an out-of-bounds write operation. This heap buffer overflow can be triggered through manipulation of media containers such as mp4, 3gp, or other formats supported by the framework. The flaw requires user interaction for exploitation, typically through the automatic playback of malicious media content or when users open compromised files. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target device with the privileges of the affected application, which in many cases corresponds to the media processing service or application context.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9346 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a significant escalation vector within Android's security model. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or instant messaging applications that automatically process multimedia content. According to ATT&CK framework classification, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to potentially install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges within the Android environment. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by threat actors with minimal initial access requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9346 focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Android security updates released by Google address the vulnerability through patches to libstagefright components and enhanced input validation mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of Android security patches, particularly for devices running Android 10 and earlier versions. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-based filtering to block suspicious media file types, disabling automatic media playback features, and establishing robust mobile device management policies. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in multimedia processing frameworks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive bounds checking and memory safety validations. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and implement intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious media file patterns. Regular security assessments of Android applications and system components remain essential for identifying similar vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise device integrity and user privacy.