CVE-2020-0127 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In AudioStream::decode of AudioGroup.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure in the phone process with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-140054506
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0127 resides within the Android operating system's audio processing subsystem, specifically in the AudioStream::decode function located in AudioGroup.cpp. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to validate array indices before accessing audio data structures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129, which encompasses improper validation of array indices, making it a fundamental boundary check failure that can have severe consequences in multimedia processing contexts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper bounds checking within the audio decoding pipeline. When processing audio streams, the system attempts to read data from memory locations without first verifying that the requested indices fall within the allocated array boundaries. This missing validation allows an attacker to craft malicious audio files that, when processed by the phone's audio subsystem, can cause the decoder to access memory beyond its intended limits. The flaw specifically affects the AudioStream::decode method, which is responsible for interpreting and converting audio data streams into playable formats.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk as it enables remote information disclosure without requiring any special execution privileges or user interaction beyond the initial exploitation trigger. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted audio content that, when processed by the vulnerable Android system, can cause the audio decoder to read sensitive memory regions. This capability allows attackers to potentially extract confidential information from the phone's memory space, including potentially sensitive data that might be stored in adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability affects Android 10 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-140054506, indicating its severity and the need for immediate remediation.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the Android security model. According to ATT&CK framework category T1068, this vulnerability could be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the device's security boundaries. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this particularly concerning, as it reduces the attack surface and increases the likelihood of successful compromise. The vulnerability's location within the phone process context means that successful exploitation could potentially provide attackers with access to sensitive audio processing data, including potentially user credentials or application data that may be stored in memory during audio processing operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0127 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. The Android security team has addressed this issue through system-level updates that implement proper bounds checking in the AudioGroup.cpp file. Organizations and users should ensure all devices running Android 10 are updated to the latest security patches, which typically include enhanced memory validation routines and improved input sanitization for audio processing components. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing audio content filtering measures to prevent potentially malicious audio files from reaching user devices, although this approach should be viewed as supplementary to proper system patching rather than a primary defense mechanism. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure risk underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security configurations and monitoring for potential exploitation attempts in network environments.