CVE-2019-9408 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-112380157
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9408 affects the libavc library within Android systems, specifically manifesting as a potential information disclosure issue stemming from uninitialized data handling. This flaw resides in the Android 10 operating system and is catalogued under Android ID A-112380157, representing a significant security concern that could be exploited remotely without requiring additional execution privileges. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-457, which addresses the use of uninitialized variables, a common weakness that can lead to information disclosure when uninitialized memory contains residual data from previous operations. The libavc library, responsible for video encoding and decoding processes, becomes a vector for information leakage when it fails to properly initialize memory segments before processing video data streams.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, indicating that an attacker must initiate a specific action to trigger the information disclosure mechanism. This typically involves a user opening a maliciously crafted media file or engaging with a compromised video stream that has been designed to exploit the uninitialized data issue within the libavc library. The flaw occurs during the video processing pipeline where memory allocated for video frame data is not properly initialized before being populated with new video information, potentially exposing sensitive data from previous memory contents. The attack vector operates through the Android media framework's handling of video streams, specifically targeting the video encoding component that utilizes libavc for hardware-accelerated video processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked data could contain sensitive information including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system memory contents that might be leveraged for further exploitation. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can potentially exploit it through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the device or additional privileges. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile environments where users frequently interact with untrusted media content through email attachments, messaging applications, or web browsing activities. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious video file that, when processed by the vulnerable libavc library, causes uninitialized memory regions to be exposed to the application layer, potentially revealing information that could aid in more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9408 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures to reduce exposure risk. Android system updates addressing this vulnerability should be deployed immediately across all affected devices, as the patch typically involves proper initialization of memory segments within the libavc library to prevent the leakage of uninitialized data. Organizations should implement strict media file validation policies that scan and filter potentially malicious video content before allowing it to be processed by the device's media framework. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual media processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and users should be educated about the risks of opening media files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's categorization under the ATT&CK framework would align with techniques involving information gathering and credential access, as the disclosed information could potentially be used to reconstruct sensitive data or system states that aid in further compromise efforts.