CVE-2020-0182 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In exif_entry_get_value of exif-entry.c, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-147140917
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0182 resides within the Android operating system's EXIF metadata processing functionality, specifically within the exif_entry_get_value function located in the exif-entry.c source file. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate array boundaries before accessing memory locations. The issue is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds check, which directly enables unauthorized memory access patterns that can reveal sensitive data from adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how the exif_entry_get_value function processes EXIF metadata embedded within image files without adequate boundary validation. When parsing image metadata, the system attempts to read values from arrays without verifying that the requested indices fall within acceptable ranges, creating a scenario where memory access extends beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This particular flaw exists in Android 10 and affects the core image processing libraries that handle EXIF data from various sources including camera captures, downloaded images, and user-uploaded media files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it enables attackers to potentially extract sensitive data from memory locations that may contain additional system information, user credentials, or application data. While exploitation requires no additional privileges beyond normal user access and does not necessitate user interaction, the local nature of the vulnerability means that any application with access to image files can potentially trigger the out-of-bounds read. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, where malicious actors might leverage such vulnerabilities to gather intelligence from compromised systems. The vulnerability affects the entire Android framework's image processing pipeline, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of EXIF metadata in photography applications and social media platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0182 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the EXIF parsing libraries and ensuring that all array access operations include proper validation before memory dereferencing. System administrators and developers should prioritize updating to patched Android versions that address this specific out-of-bounds read condition, as well as implementing additional input validation layers in applications that process image metadata. The fix typically involves adding boundary checks before array access operations and ensuring that the EXIF parsing code properly validates the size and structure of metadata fields before attempting to read their contents. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain regular security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being leveraged in future attacks, as this flaw represents a fundamental weakness in the Android image processing subsystem that could be exploited in combination with other vulnerabilities within the same framework.