CVE-2020-0180 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In GetOpusHeaderBuffers() of OpusHeader.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-142861738
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0180 resides within the Opus audio codec implementation in Android systems, specifically within the GetOpusHeaderBuffers() function located in OpusHeader.cpp. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when processing audio header data, making it particularly dangerous in multimedia processing contexts where malformed input can trigger unexpected behavior. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the missing bounds check that should have prevented access beyond allocated memory boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a remote attacker to craft malicious audio content that, when processed by an Android device running Android 10, triggers the out-of-bounds read condition. The flaw occurs during the header parsing phase of Opus audio files, where the code fails to validate the size or structure of incoming header data before attempting to access memory locations. This missing validation creates a path where an attacker can potentially read memory contents that should remain inaccessible, leading to information disclosure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires no additional execution privileges beyond the normal processing of audio content, making it accessible through standard media playback operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Android devices as it allows for remote information disclosure without requiring user interaction beyond the simple act of playing malicious audio content. The attack surface is broad since Opus audio files are commonly encountered in various media applications, streaming services, and file sharing scenarios. The impact extends beyond simple data leakage as the information disclosure could potentially expose sensitive memory contents including cryptographic keys, user data, or system information that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it represents an initial access vector that could lead to more sophisticated attacks.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0180 primarily involve updating Android systems to versions that contain patches addressing the bounds checking issue in the Opus codec implementation. Google released security updates for Android 10 that fixed this vulnerability, and users should ensure their devices are running the latest security patches. Additionally, implementing proper input validation mechanisms and memory safety checks in audio processing libraries can prevent similar issues in the future. Organizations should also consider network-level filtering of audio content when possible, though this approach is limited in effectiveness as the vulnerability can be exploited through various legitimate audio sources. The fix typically involves adding proper bounds checking before array access operations, ensuring that all header data is validated against expected size constraints before processing.