CVE-2019-9382 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libeffects, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. 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-120874654
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9382 resides within the libeffects library component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 releases. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from an inadequate bounds checking mechanism within the audio effects processing subsystem. The vulnerability manifests as a potential out of bounds write condition that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring elevated privileges. The flaw exists in the way the system handles audio effect processing parameters, where insufficient validation allows for memory corruption during normal operation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which covers out of bounds write conditions. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that exploitation typically occurs when a user engages with malicious content or applications that trigger the vulnerable code path. This interaction could occur through various means such as opening malicious media files, visiting compromised websites, or interacting with specially crafted audio content that leverages the libeffects library. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw indicates that attackers can potentially compromise devices without physical access or local privileges, making it particularly concerning for mobile environments where users frequently interact with untrusted content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a significant threat to Android device security and user privacy. When successfully exploited, the out of bounds write can corrupt memory structures within the audio processing subsystem, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical program data or execute malicious code in the context of the affected process. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that even standard user accounts can potentially leverage this vulnerability. The Android ID A-120874654 indicates this was properly tracked and addressed through Android security patches, but the vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks in complex multimedia processing libraries where memory management and input validation are critical. The flaw's presence in libeffects specifically suggests that audio processing functionality across various Android applications and system services could be compromised, potentially affecting media playback, voice recording, and other audio-related features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9382 primarily involve applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which address the bounds checking deficiencies in the libeffects library. System administrators and users should prioritize updating their Android devices to versions that contain the patched libeffects component, as the vulnerability remains exploitable in unpatched systems. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability, particularly focusing on unusual audio processing activities or memory corruption patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for execution through audio processing components, and T1203 for remote code execution via user interaction. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies for audio processing applications and monitoring for suspicious audio file handling patterns. Device manufacturers and carriers must ensure timely deployment of security updates to protect their user base from potential exploitation, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain persistent access to mobile devices and potentially escalate privileges to gain full system control.