CVE-2019-9370 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In sonivox, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an incorrect 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-133880046
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9370 resides within the sonivox audio library component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 releases. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms within the audio processing framework. The flaw manifests when the system processes certain audio data streams, particularly those involving malformed or crafted audio files that trigger the vulnerable code path. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an "Improper Validation of Array Index" which directly relates to the insufficient bounds validation that permits memory access beyond allocated buffer boundaries. The security implications are severe as this condition can be exploited to extract sensitive information from system memory, potentially exposing confidential data such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system internals.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that an attacker must convince a victim to open or process a maliciously crafted audio file or media stream. This typically occurs through social engineering tactics such as phishing emails, malicious messaging applications, or compromised media sharing platforms. The attack vector leverages the Android media framework's handling of audio data, where the sonivox library processes audio samples and performs various operations including buffer management and data validation. When an attacker crafts audio content that triggers the flawed bounds checking logic, the system attempts to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing information from adjacent memory regions. This information disclosure can reveal sensitive data that may aid in subsequent attacks or provide insights into the target system's internal state.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9370 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted data could potentially be used to facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or further exploitation of other system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure means that attackers can potentially exploit this flaw from outside the local network, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter malicious content through various communication channels. The Android security model's reliance on proper bounds checking and memory management makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it represents a fundamental flaw in how audio data is processed and validated. The vulnerability's presence in Android 10 indicates that it affects a significant portion of the Android user base, with the Android ID A-133880046 tracking the specific issue within Google's internal vulnerability management system. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the information disclosure can serve as a foundation for more advanced attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety mechanisms in mobile operating systems, particularly in components that handle multimedia data processing where user-supplied content can be processed without adequate sanitization.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9370 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of Android where the bounds checking has been corrected and the vulnerable code paths have been modified to properly validate array indices. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest security patches released by their device manufacturers, as Google typically releases monthly security updates that address vulnerabilities like this one. Additionally, organizations should implement network-level controls to filter potentially malicious media content and educate users about the risks of opening untrusted audio files. Security researchers and developers should also conduct thorough code reviews focusing on bounds checking mechanisms, particularly in audio processing libraries and multimedia frameworks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of memory safety in mobile platforms and the need for comprehensive testing of input validation mechanisms in system components that process user-supplied data. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems that can identify suspicious memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.