CVE-2020-0141 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In OutputBuffersArray::realloc of CCodecBuffers.cpp, there is a possible heap disclosure due to a race condition. This could lead to remote information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-142544793
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0141 resides within the CCodecBuffers.cpp component of Android's media framework, specifically in the OutputBuffersArray::realloc function. This flaw represents a heap disclosure issue that emerges from a race condition during buffer reallocation operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-362, which addresses race conditions in software systems, making it particularly concerning given the potential for information disclosure attacks. The affected Android version is Android 10, with the specific Android ID A-142544793 tracking this security issue.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the dynamic reallocation of output buffers used in media processing operations. When the OutputBuffersArray::realloc function executes, it encounters a race condition that allows for improper memory management. This race condition manifests when multiple threads attempt to access and modify the same memory buffer simultaneously, leading to potential heap corruption and information leakage. The flaw specifically impacts the memory layout of the codec buffer system, creating opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive data from adjacent memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. While exploitation requires system execution privileges, the remote nature of the information disclosure means that attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather sensitive system information, potentially including cryptographic keys, user data, or other confidential elements stored in memory. The requirement for user interaction suggests that exploitation might occur through malicious media files or applications that trigger the vulnerable code path. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1005 for data from local system, as it could facilitate both information gathering and potential privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0141 primarily focus on updating to patched Android versions that address the race condition in the media codec buffer management. Organizations should prioritize deploying the security patches released by Google for Android 10, as these updates specifically target the race condition in CCodecBuffers.cpp. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as heap randomization and address space layout randomization can help reduce the exploitability of this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors, particularly for systems handling sensitive media processing tasks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper synchronization mechanisms in multi-threaded environments and highlights the need for comprehensive memory safety testing in mobile operating system components.