CVE-2019-9359 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-111407302
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9359 resides within the libavc library component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 releases. This issue represents a classic case of uninitialized memory access that can potentially expose sensitive data to unauthorized parties. The flaw manifests in how the system handles certain data structures within the video codec processing pipeline, creating a pathway for information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-457 as "Use of Uninitialized Variable" which directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of system data. The attack vector requires remote exploitation through network-based communication channels, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper initialization of memory buffers within the libavc processing functions. When handling certain video streams or codec operations, the system fails to properly initialize memory locations before use, potentially leaving residual data from previous operations accessible to attackers. This uninitialized data exposure occurs during the video decoding process where the library processes incoming media data without ensuring complete memory sanitization. The flaw specifically impacts the Android media framework's video processing capabilities, particularly when dealing with malformed or specially crafted video content that triggers the vulnerable code paths.
Operational exploitation of CVE-2019-9359 requires user interaction to initiate the attack, typically through the delivery of malicious video content or media files that trigger the vulnerable code path in libavc. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from memory locations that should have been cleared or initialized properly. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the leaked data could potentially include cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other sensitive system information that could be used for further exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript' but more specifically relates to T1005 for "Data from Local System" through memory corruption and information disclosure mechanisms. The remote nature of the attack means that no local privileges are required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently interact with multimedia content from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. The Android security patch level should be verified to ensure the fix for CVE-2019-9359 is properly applied, as this vulnerability affects the core media processing libraries. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual video processing patterns or media file transfers. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening unknown media files and the importance of keeping devices updated with the latest security patches remains crucial. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in mobile operating systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of media processing components. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The fix for this vulnerability typically involves proper initialization of memory buffers and validation of input data before processing, ensuring that no uninitialized data can be exposed through the affected library functions.