CVE-2019-9412 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libSBRdec there is a possible out of bounds read due to 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-112006096
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9412 resides within the libSBRdec library component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 installations. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from an insufficient bounds checking mechanism within the audio decoding process. The flaw manifests during the handling of specific audio data streams that utilize the SBR (Spectral Band Replication) decoding algorithm, which is commonly employed in advanced audio compression formats.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices or other forms of bounds checking failures. The flaw occurs when the decoder processes malformed audio data that contains crafted SBR parameters, leading to memory access violations that extend beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This particular implementation error allows the decoder to read memory locations that should remain protected, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability requires no elevated privileges for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard user interaction scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks for Android devices running version 10, as it enables remote information disclosure attacks without requiring any special execution privileges. The need for user interaction means that attackers can potentially exploit this through malicious audio files delivered via email attachments, messaging applications, or web-based content. The Android ID A-112006096 indicates this was recognized and tracked by Google's security team, emphasizing the severity of the issue. The potential information disclosure could include sensitive data from other processes, system memory contents, or even cryptographic keys that might be stored in adjacent memory locations, thereby compromising the overall security posture of affected devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the libSBRdec library, ensuring that all array accesses are validated against their legitimate boundaries before any memory operations occur. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the latest security patches provided by Google, which typically include updated versions of the affected library components. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and memory protection mechanisms can help reduce the impact of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could potentially leverage information disclosure to gain further system insights, though this particular CVE focuses on the initial information leak rather than subsequent exploitation phases. Organizations should also consider network-based detection measures that monitor for unusual audio file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of potentially malicious audio content.