CVE-2020-0002 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ih264d_init_decoder of ih264d_api.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a use after free. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation Product: Android Versions: Android-8.0, Android-8.1, Android-9, and Android-10 Android ID: A-142602711
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0002 represents a critical security flaw within the Android media decoding subsystem, specifically affecting the ih264d_init_decoder function in the ih264d_api.c file. This issue manifests as a use-after-free condition that can potentially result in out-of-bounds write operations, creating a pathway for remote code execution. The vulnerability impacts multiple Android versions including Android 8.0, 8.1, 9, and 10, indicating a widespread exposure across the Android ecosystem. The Android ID A-142602711 further emphasizes the severity and recognition of this flaw by Google's security team. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to perform a specific action such as opening a malicious media file or visiting a compromised website, which makes it particularly dangerous in social engineering scenarios.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper memory management within the H.264 video decoder component. When the ih264d_init_decoder function processes video data, it fails to properly validate memory references after freeing previously allocated resources, creating a window where freed memory can be accessed and written to beyond its intended boundaries. This use-after-free condition typically occurs when the decoder attempts to write data to memory locations that have already been released back to the system heap, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite critical data structures or function pointers. The out-of-bounds write operation can corrupt the program's execution flow, leading to arbitrary code execution. This flaw aligns with CWE-416 which defines use-after-free conditions as a common vulnerability pattern where memory is accessed after it has been freed, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for memory management.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0002 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can be exploited remotely without requiring additional execution privileges, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. An attacker could potentially deliver malicious video content through various vectors including email attachments, web pages, or messaging applications, where the victim's device would automatically attempt to decode the content upon interaction. The vulnerability's presence in the core media decoding functionality means that any application attempting to process H.264 video content could be susceptible to exploitation, including the device's native media player, web browsers, and third-party applications. This remote code execution capability allows for complete system compromise, enabling attackers to install malware, access sensitive data, or perform other malicious activities. The requirement for user interaction does not diminish the threat level as mobile users frequently interact with multimedia content, making this vulnerability highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0002 primarily focus on timely patch deployment and system updates from Google and device manufacturers. Android security patches addressing this vulnerability were released as part of the regular security update cycle, requiring users to install the latest system updates to protect their devices. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out these patches to their respective device fleets, as the vulnerability affects multiple Android versions and device models. Network administrators and security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement network-based protections to detect and block malicious video content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in media processing components, as recommended by ATT&CK framework's T1059.1001 technique which involves executing malicious code through legitimate system processes. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as sandboxing for media processing components and regular security assessments of mobile device applications that handle multimedia content.