CVE-2019-9371 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libvpx, there is a possible resource exhaustion due to improper input validation. This could lead to remote denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-132783254
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9371 resides within the libvpx library, a critical component used for video encoding and decoding in various multimedia applications. This library forms the foundation for VP8 and VP9 video codecs, which are extensively utilized in Android operating systems and numerous other platforms for handling video content. The flaw manifests as a resource exhaustion issue stemming from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the video processing pipeline. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious video files that trigger excessive resource consumption during decoding operations, potentially leading to system instability or complete denial of service conditions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-770, which addresses the allocation of resources without proper limits or controls, and represents a classic example of a resource exhaustion attack pattern. The flaw specifically impacts the video decoder's handling of malformed input data, where insufficient validation allows crafted video streams to consume disproportionate amounts of memory or processing power. This occurs during the parsing and decoding phases of video files, where the library fails to properly constrain resource usage even when encountering invalid or maliciously constructed video frames. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, typically through the deliberate opening or playback of maliciously crafted video content, making it particularly concerning for mobile environments where users frequently engage with multimedia content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Android devices running Android 10, as demonstrated by the Android ID A-132783254 which specifically tracks this issue. The remote denial of service capability means that attackers could potentially compromise device availability without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption, as the resource exhaustion could lead to system crashes, application hangs, or even complete device instability. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users expect consistent device performance and reliability, as it can render devices unusable during video playback operations. The exploitation mechanism requires minimal privileges, making it accessible to threat actors with basic technical capabilities while still maintaining the potential for widespread impact across the Android ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9371 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Android device manufacturers and developers must prioritize applying the relevant security updates that address the input validation gaps in libvpx. Organizations should implement content filtering mechanisms to prevent the processing of untrusted video content, particularly in environments where users may encounter malicious files. The implementation of resource monitoring and limiting controls can help detect and prevent excessive consumption patterns that indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening video content from untrusted sources, and security teams should monitor for unusual resource consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation activity. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in multimedia processing libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of codec implementations to prevent similar resource exhaustion scenarios.