CVE-2019-9416 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libstagefright 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-111804142
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9416 resides within the libstagefright media framework component of Android systems, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that could be exploited remotely. This vulnerability specifically affects Android 10 and is catalogued under Android ID A-111804142, demonstrating the severity and widespread impact potential of such flaws within mobile operating systems. The issue stems from uninitialized data handling within the media processing pipeline, creating a vector for sensitive information extraction without requiring elevated privileges or additional execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper initialization of memory structures within libstagefright's media parsing functions. When processing specially crafted media files, the framework fails to properly initialize certain data buffers before use, potentially exposing sensitive information from adjacent memory locations. This uninitialized data leakage occurs during the parsing of multimedia content such as video or audio files, where the media parser does not adequately clear or initialize memory regions before processing. The flaw falls under CWE-457: Use of Uninitialized Variable, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices that directly relates to this vulnerability's root cause.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2019-9416 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a remote attack vector that can be exploited through malicious media files delivered via various channels including email attachments, messaging applications, or web downloads. The requirement for user interaction to initiate exploitation means that successful attacks typically involve social engineering elements where users must open or play the malicious media content. However, the lack of additional execution privileges needed makes this particularly concerning as attackers can potentially extract sensitive data from memory without needing to establish further footholds within the system. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could be leveraged for data exfiltration, credential harvesting, or further exploitation attempts.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is extensive given that libstagefright is integral to Android's media processing capabilities and is used by numerous applications for handling multimedia content. This includes built-in media players, messaging applications, web browsers, and third-party applications that utilize Android's media framework. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can potentially target users without physical access to devices, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data. Security researchers have noted that such information disclosure vulnerabilities often serve as precursors to more severe attacks, as the leaked data can provide attackers with insights into system memory layouts, application structures, or even cryptographic key material.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9416 primarily focus on timely patch deployment and user education. Google has released security updates for affected Android versions that properly initialize memory structures within libstagefright, addressing the uninitialized data exposure. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all Android devices. Additionally, users should exercise caution when opening media files from untrusted sources and maintain current security software installations. Network-level protections such as content filtering and email scanning can help reduce the likelihood of users encountering malicious media files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and memory management in mobile operating systems, reinforcing the need for regular security audits and code reviews to prevent similar issues in future implementations.