CVE-2020-0194 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ihevcd_parse_slice_header of ihevcd_parse_slice_header.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-143826590
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-0194 represents a critical security flaw within the Android media processing framework, specifically within the ihevcd codec implementation responsible for handling h.265 video decoding. This issue resides in the ihevcd_parse_slice_header function where a potential out of bounds write condition can occur due to integer overflow during slice header parsing operations. The vulnerability affects Android 10 systems and is identified by the Android ID A-143826590, demonstrating the severity of the issue within the mobile operating system ecosystem.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and arithmetic handling within the video decoding pipeline. When processing maliciously crafted h.265 video content, the integer overflow condition in the slice header parsing logic can cause memory corruption that extends beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This overflow condition creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the decoding process to write data beyond allocated memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program structures or executable code. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the ihevcd_parse_slice_header.c file where the integer overflow directly translates into an out of bounds write operation, making it a classic example of memory safety issues that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0194 is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution without requiring any additional privileges beyond what is normally available to a standard user. This means an attacker can exploit the vulnerability through malicious media content delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or other network-based delivery mechanisms. The requirement for user interaction indicates that the attack vector typically involves social engineering or automated exploitation through media playback scenarios, making it particularly dangerous in real-world deployment environments. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique category for process injection and potentially T1203 for legitimate program execution, as it allows for code execution within the context of the media processing service.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow and wraparound conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The attack surface is primarily within the Android media framework's video decoding capabilities, where the ihevcd codec is employed for processing h.265 encoded video streams. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks of complex media processing libraries where buffer management and input validation become critical security considerations. The fact that no additional execution privileges are required for exploitation makes this particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently interact with multimedia content from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0194 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, as the vulnerability represents a critical threat to device security. Organizations should implement network-based filtering to block potentially malicious media content, particularly when the content originates from untrusted sources. The recommended approach includes enabling automatic security updates, implementing network monitoring for suspicious media content delivery, and conducting regular security assessments of media processing services. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening media attachments from unknown sources, and system administrators should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms around media processing components to limit potential damage from successful exploits. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing libraries, particularly those handling complex video codecs where buffer overflows can have severe security implications.