CVE-2019-9433 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libvpx, there is a possible information disclosure due to improper input validation. 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-80479354
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9433 affects the libvpx library, which is a crucial component in Android's multimedia framework responsible for video decoding operations. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the video processing pipeline. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the library processes malformed video content, creating potential pathways for information disclosure attacks. The affected Android version Android-10 indicates this flaw exists in the operating system's core multimedia processing capabilities, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of Android devices.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of input data during video frame decoding operations. When libvpx encounters malformed or unexpected video data, the validation checks fail to properly sanitize the input before processing, leading to potential memory corruption or information leakage. This flaw falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" in its exploitation of input handling mechanisms. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, typically through the presentation of malicious video content that triggers the faulty decoding routine, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted media.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive data from the device's memory or system resources. An attacker could potentially leverage this flaw to access private information, system configurations, or other sensitive data that might be accessible during the video decoding process. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation could occur without requiring additional privileges or execution capabilities, significantly lowering the barrier for potential attackers. This vulnerability affects Android devices running Android-10, indicating that it impacts a substantial portion of the Android ecosystem where libvpx is utilized for video processing.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the libvpx library and ensuring that all video content is properly sanitized before processing. Android security patches addressing this issue would typically involve updating the libvpx component with enhanced validation routines and memory protection mechanisms. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the relevant security updates to prevent exploitation. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted media content and implementing network-level filtering of potentially malicious video files can provide additional protective layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure input handling in multimedia processing libraries and the potential consequences of inadequate validation mechanisms in widely deployed software components.