CVE-2020-0198 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In exif_data_load_data_content of exif-data.c, there is a possible UBSAN abort due to an integer overflow. 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-146428941
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0198 resides within the exif_data_load_data_content function in the exif-data.c file of Android's image processing libraries. This flaw represents a critical security issue that can be exploited to cause remote denial of service attacks without requiring any special execution privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests as a possible UBSAN (Undefined Behavior Sanitizer) abort triggered by integer overflow conditions during image data processing operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values when processing EXIF metadata within image files. When the exif_data_load_data_content function processes image data, it fails to properly validate or constrain integer values during arithmetic operations, leading to potential overflow conditions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-191, which specifically addresses integer underflow and overflow conditions, making it a direct descendant of well-known integer handling flaws that have plagued software systems for decades. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the image parsing layer where malicious inputs can be crafted to trigger the overflow condition.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for Android devices that process external image files, including those received through email attachments, messaging applications, social media platforms, or web browsing activities. The requirement for user interaction to exploit this vulnerability means that attackers would need to convince users to open maliciously crafted image files, but the low privilege requirements make this attack vector particularly dangerous. Once triggered, the integer overflow causes the application to abort unexpectedly, resulting in denial of service for the affected system. This can be particularly impactful in enterprise environments where image processing is a common function across multiple applications.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks. The UBSAN abort indicates that the system's undefined behavior detection mechanisms are being triggered, which could potentially be leveraged to gather information about the target system or to build more complex exploitation chains. Security researchers have noted that such integer overflow conditions often serve as stepping stones for more serious vulnerabilities, as they can be used to create predictable system states that facilitate further exploitation. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and system exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0198 should focus on immediate patch deployment for Android 10 systems, as well as implementing additional input validation measures for image processing functions. Organizations should consider network-level filtering of image files when possible, particularly for untrusted sources, and implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service issue means that traditional intrusion detection systems may not immediately flag its presence, making behavioral monitoring and application-level integrity checks particularly important for early detection of potential exploitation attempts.