CVE-2020-0303 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the Media extractor, there is a possible use after free due to improper locking. This could lead to remote code execution in the media extractor with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-148223229
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0303 resides within Android's media extractor component, representing a critical security flaw that could enable remote code execution without requiring additional privileges. This issue specifically manifests as a use-after-free condition occurring in the media extraction process, where improper locking mechanisms fail to prevent concurrent access to freed memory regions. The vulnerability affects Android 11 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-148223229, highlighting its significance within the mobile operating system's security framework. The media extractor component processes multimedia files and is frequently accessed when handling various media formats, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be triggered through routine media processing activities.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate synchronization mechanisms within the media extractor's memory management system. When multiple threads attempt to access the same memory region simultaneously, the improper locking implementation allows one thread to free memory while another thread continues to reference that location. This classic use-after-free condition creates a memory corruption scenario that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the media extractor's privileged context. The flaw operates at the system level where the media processing pipeline handles user-provided media files, potentially receiving crafted malicious content through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or media sharing applications. The vulnerability's classification as a use-after-free aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory, and represents a common attack pattern that has been documented extensively in cybersecurity literature.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0303 extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities, as it could enable full system compromise without requiring user interaction beyond the initial triggering mechanism. While the vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, this interaction need not be sophisticated, as the media extractor is commonly invoked during routine device operations. Attackers could potentially deliver malicious media files through phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or social media platforms, where users might unknowingly trigger the vulnerable code path. The exploitation process could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive device data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within the Android environment. This vulnerability particularly affects the Android 11 operating system's security model, as it undermines the integrity of the media processing subsystem that is designed to handle untrusted input from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0303 should focus on both immediate patch deployment and operational security enhancements. Android security patches addressing this vulnerability were released as part of the regular security updates, and users should immediately install the latest system updates to resolve the issue. Organizations implementing mobile device management solutions should prioritize the deployment of these security patches across all affected Android 11 devices within their enterprise environments. Additionally, defensive measures including media file filtering, sandboxing of media processing components, and network-based content inspection can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute code through the compromised media processing pipeline. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious media file transfers and consider implementing content filtering solutions that can identify potentially malicious media files before they reach end-user devices. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security awareness training for users to recognize potentially malicious media content and avoid interactive engagement with untrusted sources.