CVE-2020-0245 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In DecodeFrameCombinedMode of combined_decode.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9 Android-10Android ID: A-152496149
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0245 resides within the Android media decoding framework, specifically in the DecodeFrameCombinedMode function located in combined_decode.cpp. This flaw represents a heap buffer overflow condition that manifests as an out of bounds write, allowing attackers to potentially access sensitive information stored in memory. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including Android 8.0, 8.1, 9, 10, and 11, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The security implications are particularly concerning as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring additional execution privileges, making it accessible to threat actors with minimal attack surface requirements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs during the decoding process of media content, where the application fails to properly validate buffer boundaries when processing combined mode frames. This buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially extract confidential information from the affected system. The out of bounds write vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions that can result in arbitrary code execution or information disclosure. The flaw requires user interaction for exploitation, typically through malicious media files or streams that trigger the vulnerable decoding path, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently consume multimedia content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Android device security and user privacy. The remote information disclosure capability means that attackers can potentially access sensitive data without requiring physical access to devices or additional privileges beyond the ability to deliver malicious content. This vulnerability can be leveraged in various attack scenarios including phishing campaigns, malicious app distribution, or compromised web content delivery. The impact extends beyond individual user devices to potentially affect enterprise environments where Android devices are commonly used for business operations and contain sensitive corporate information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0245 should prioritize immediate patch application from Google, as this vulnerability affects multiple Android versions and requires system-level updates to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts involving media content delivery, while also considering temporary restrictions on media file downloads from untrusted sources. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify devices running affected Android versions and ensure timely deployment of security patches. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of downloading media content from untrusted sources remains crucial in reducing exploitation success rates. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the media processing components that are commonly targeted by adversaries seeking to gain unauthorized access to device information.