CVE-2020-0160 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In setSyncSampleParams of SampleTable.cpp, there is possible resource exhaustion due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-124771364
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0160 resides within the Android media framework, specifically in the setSyncSampleParams function located in SampleTable.cpp. This flaw represents a classic resource exhaustion issue that can be exploited to cause remote denial of service conditions. The vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check that allows maliciously crafted media files to trigger excessive resource consumption during processing. The affected component is part of the Android media playback system that handles various multimedia formats including mp4 and other iso base media file format containers. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted media files that cause the system to allocate excessive memory or processing resources when attempting to parse synchronization sample parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper input validation within the setSyncSampleParams function. When processing media files, the system attempts to parse synchronization sample information without verifying that the parameters fall within acceptable bounds. This missing validation allows attackers to provide malformed input that causes the application to consume excessive system resources or trigger memory allocation failures. The vulnerability specifically affects Android 10 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-124771364. The flaw operates at the media parsing layer where the system processes metadata information stored within multimedia containers, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered during normal media playback operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially compromise system stability and user experience. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause applications to crash or become unresponsive, effectively rendering media playback functionality unusable. The attack requires no special privileges or execution permissions, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited through standard user interaction such as opening a maliciously crafted media file. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious content through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms without requiring physical access to the target device. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-770 Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling, representing a clear violation of secure coding practices.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 Execution Techniques category, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through media processing. The vulnerability can be classified as a resource exhaustion attack that leverages the system's failure to properly validate input parameters. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a critical risk in environments where users frequently interact with untrusted media content, particularly in mobile environments where Android devices are commonly used for entertainment and communication. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to disrupt services without complex attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0160 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking and input validation within the media processing components. System administrators and developers should ensure that all media parsing functions include comprehensive validation of input parameters before resource allocation occurs. The recommended approach involves patching the affected Android versions through official security updates, as Google has addressed this vulnerability in subsequent releases. Additionally, organizations should implement media file filtering and sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of malicious content. Network-based mitigations could include content filtering solutions that scan media files for known malicious patterns, while endpoint protections should focus on monitoring media processing activities for anomalous resource consumption patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of thorough input validation in system components that process external data.