CVE-2020-0184 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ihevcd_ref_list() of ihevcd_ref_list.c, there is a possible infinite loop 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-141688974
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0184 resides within the ihevcd_ref_list() function in the ihevcd_ref_list.c source file, representing a critical security flaw in Android's media processing subsystem. This issue manifests as a potential infinite loop condition that arises from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the reference list handling code. The vulnerability specifically affects Android 10 operating systems and is catalogued under Android ID A-141688974, highlighting its significance within the mobile platform security landscape.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the video decoding reference list management functionality. When processing video streams, the ihevcd_ref_list() function fails to properly validate the boundaries of reference list operations, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted video content can cause the decoding process to enter an infinite loop state. This occurs because the function does not verify that reference list indices remain within acceptable parameter limits before proceeding with iterative operations. The missing bounds check effectively allows an attacker to manipulate the reference list parameters in such a way that loop termination conditions become impossible to satisfy, resulting in indefinite execution cycles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it represents a remote attack vector that requires no elevated privileges for exploitation. An attacker can potentially deliver malicious video content through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or streaming services, with the only requirement being user interaction to initiate playback of the compromised media file. This remote exploitation capability significantly broadens the attack surface, as it does not require physical access to the device or administrative privileges. The infinite loop condition consumes system resources continuously, leading to device performance degradation, application crashes, and ultimately complete system unresponsiveness, effectively rendering the affected Android device unusable until manual intervention occurs.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses "Improper Validation of Array Index," and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves "Endpoint Denial of Service." The flaw represents a classic example of a resource exhaustion attack where an attacker leverages insufficient input validation to consume system resources indefinitely. The vulnerability's classification as a remote denial of service without additional execution privileges needed places it within the category of low-effort, high-impact attacks that can be particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently interact with untrusted media content. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment for this vulnerability as it represents a significant risk to mobile device availability and user experience.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0184 should focus on immediate Android security updates and patches provided by Google, which address the bounds checking deficiency in the video decoding reference list functionality. System administrators and device security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly during video playback operations. Network security controls should include media content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent automatic playback of potentially malicious media files. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted media attachments and the importance of keeping operating systems updated remains crucial for defense-in-depth approaches. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation in multimedia processing components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of media handling functions within mobile operating systems.