CVE-2020-0200 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ReadLittleEndian of raw_bit_reader.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure in the media server with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-147231862
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-0200 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Android media server component that resides in the raw_bit_reader.cc source file. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check during the ReadLittleEndian operation, which processes binary data streams in a manner that fails to validate memory access boundaries before reading data. The flaw exists specifically within the media framework's bit reading functionality where the system attempts to extract little-endian encoded values from raw binary data without proper validation of the data buffer limits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for unauthorized information disclosure through a remote attack vector that does not require elevated execution privileges or root access. An attacker can exploit this condition by crafting malicious media content that triggers the vulnerable code path during normal media processing operations. The missing bounds check creates a scenario where the application reads memory locations beyond the intended data buffer, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions including system credentials, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data that may be accessible through the media server process. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and more specifically to CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental security weakness that could enable further exploitation techniques within the Android media processing pipeline. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather sensitive information about the device's internal state, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the system. The requirement for user interaction indicates that exploitation typically occurs through media file manipulation, such as playing malicious audio or video content, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries use malicious files to gain access to systems. The vulnerability affects Android 10 specifically, indicating it was present in the media framework's bit reading implementation during that version's development cycle, making it particularly concerning for devices running this operating system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0200 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches provided by Google to address the underlying bounds checking implementation in the media server component. Organizations should implement network-level controls to restrict media file downloads and processing, particularly for untrusted sources, to reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual media processing activities and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, developers should review similar bit reading implementations across the codebase to identify and remediate comparable missing bounds checks that could present similar security risks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in security-sensitive code paths, particularly in media processing components that handle untrusted data from external sources.