CVE-2020-0163 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In parseSampleAuxiliaryInformationSizes of MPEG4Extractor.cpp, there is possible resource exhaustion due to improper input validation. 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-124525515
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0163 represents a critical resource exhaustion flaw within the Android media processing framework, specifically affecting the MPEG4Extractor component responsible for parsing multimedia file structures. This issue resides in the parseSampleAuxiliaryInformationSizes function of the MPEG4Extractor.cpp file, where inadequate input validation allows maliciously crafted media files to trigger excessive resource consumption during parsing operations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multimedia processing and memory management, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit the system's handling of auxiliary information within MPEG4 media containers. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-770, which addresses the allocation of resources without proper limits or controls, enabling attackers to exhaust system resources through carefully constructed inputs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a user to interact with a maliciously crafted media file, typically through normal media playback operations within Android applications. When the system attempts to parse the auxiliary information sizes within an MPEG4 container, the improper validation allows for oversized or malformed data structures that cause the parser to consume excessive memory or processing cycles. This behavior results in a denial of service condition where the target system becomes unresponsive or crashes during media processing operations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability stems from the fact that media files can be delivered through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or messaging applications, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently interact with multimedia content. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of system resource exhaustion to disrupt normal operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0163 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the overall stability and security posture of Android devices. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause media processing applications to crash or consume excessive resources, leading to device instability or complete system unresponsiveness during media playback operations. This creates a persistent threat to user experience and can be leveraged as a vector for more sophisticated attacks that may exploit the system's instability to execute additional malicious activities. The vulnerability affects Android 10 systems and represents a significant concern for device manufacturers and security administrators who must consider the implications of resource exhaustion attacks on mobile platforms. The flaw demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in multimedia processing components and highlights the need for robust resource management controls in system libraries that handle untrusted data from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0163 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and resource limits within the media processing framework. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the relevant Android security patches that address this vulnerability through proper bounds checking and resource allocation controls. The implementation of memory limits and timeout mechanisms during media parsing operations can help prevent the exploitation of this flaw by limiting the resources available for processing potentially malicious inputs. Additionally, security teams should consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious media file patterns associated with this vulnerability. The mitigation approach should align with security best practices for resource management and input validation, ensuring that multimedia processing components maintain proper resource boundaries while maintaining functionality for legitimate media files. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues in other media processing libraries and prevent the exploitation of related vulnerabilities in the broader Android ecosystem.