CVE-2020-0264 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libstagefright, 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-11Android ID: A-116718596
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0264 resides within the libstagefright media framework component of Android systems, representing a critical security flaw that could enable remote code execution. This issue affects Android 11 and is tracked under Android ID A-116718596, demonstrating the severity that security researchers and Android developers assign to such vulnerabilities. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that stems from an integer overflow within the media processing pipeline, creating a potential attack vector that requires no additional privileges for exploitation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper handling of integer values during media file parsing operations. When libstagefright processes multimedia content, it performs calculations that can result in integer overflow conditions, where the computed value exceeds the maximum representable value for the data type. This overflow leads to subsequent memory operations that write data beyond the intended buffer boundaries, creating memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically impacts the way the framework handles certain media file structures, particularly those involving malformed or crafted media content that triggers the overflow condition during parsing.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0264 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables remote code execution through carefully constructed media files that can be delivered via various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites. Since no additional execution privileges are required for exploitation, the vulnerability creates a significant risk for end users who may inadvertently encounter malicious media content. The need for user interaction indicates that attackers must first convince victims to open or play the malicious media file, but this requirement does not mitigate the overall risk as users may encounter such content in routine browsing activities or through social engineering tactics.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code. The integer overflow condition creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that attackers can exploit to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or full system compromise. The fact that this vulnerability exists in a media processing framework makes it particularly dangerous as users frequently interact with multimedia content, increasing the attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0264 primarily focus on updating to patched Android versions that address the integer overflow issue in libstagefright. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Android devices receive timely security updates, particularly given the remote execution capabilities of this vulnerability. Additionally, network-level protections such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring for suspicious media file handling activities and user behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining awareness of the ATT&CK framework's relevant techniques for detecting potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in media processing components.