CVE-2020-0212 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In _onBufferDestroyed of InputBufferManager.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a use after free. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-135140854
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0212 resides within the InputBufferManager.cpp component of Android's media framework, specifically in the _onBufferDestroyed function. This flaw represents a classic use-after-free vulnerability that occurs when memory is accessed after it has been deallocated, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without requiring any additional privileges beyond what is normally available to a user, making it accessible to attackers who may not possess elevated system access rights.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the media buffer handling system. When a buffer is destroyed and subsequently freed from memory, the system fails to properly invalidate references to that memory location before other operations attempt to access it. This creates a window where an attacker can potentially read data from memory locations that should no longer be accessible, leading to information disclosure. The use-after-free condition manifests as an out-of-bounds read, where the system attempts to access memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data from adjacent memory regions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to Android devices running version 10, as it can be exploited through remote means without requiring user interaction beyond the initial triggering condition. The attack vector typically involves manipulating media processing components that utilize the vulnerable buffer management system, potentially allowing attackers to extract information such as cryptographic keys, personal data, or other sensitive system information. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that even basic user-level applications could potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system information.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software development practices, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution capabilities that could emerge from information disclosure. Security researchers have noted that this particular implementation flaw in the media framework demonstrates poor memory management practices that are common in complex systems handling multimedia data. The Android ID A-135140854 indicates this vulnerability was properly tracked and documented by Google's security team, highlighting the importance of proper memory lifecycle management in system components that handle user-provided data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0212 primarily focus on implementing proper memory management practices and ensuring that all buffer references are properly invalidated upon deallocation. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest security patches and updates from Google, which typically include fixes that address the specific memory management issues in the InputBufferManager.cpp file. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring systems that can detect anomalous buffer usage patterns and consider runtime protections that can prevent use-after-free conditions from being exploited. Regular security assessments of media processing components and memory management practices should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other parts of the system architecture.