CVE-2020-0355 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libFraunhoferAAC, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-141883493
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0355 resides within the libFraunhoferAAC library, a critical component responsible for audio processing in Android systems. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the application fails to validate input data before processing it. The vulnerability specifically affects Android 11 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-141883493, indicating its severity and the need for immediate attention. The flaw manifests in the Fraunhofer AAC decoder implementation, which is widely used across various Android devices for handling advanced audio coding format files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the audio parsing logic. When processing maliciously crafted AAC files, the decoder attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries without proper validation. This missing bounds check creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate input data to trigger unauthorized memory access patterns. The flaw operates at the application level within the media framework, specifically affecting how audio metadata and frame data are interpreted during decoding operations. According to CWE-129, this vulnerability maps directly to improper validation of array indices, a well-documented weakness that frequently leads to memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0355 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks. While the immediate exploitation requires user interaction through the delivery of malicious audio files, the vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can potentially compromise devices through various delivery mechanisms including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious messaging applications. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this particularly concerning from a security perspective, as it reduces the attack surface needed for successful compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it could enable attackers to extract sensitive information from device memory, potentially including user credentials or application data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary solution involves updating the affected Android system to version containing patched libFraunhoferAAC components, which typically includes bounds checking mechanisms and input validation routines. Organizations should implement proactive monitoring of audio file processing activities and establish network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding safe file handling practices remains crucial, particularly for high-risk environments where sensitive data may be processed. Security teams should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for audio processing components and regular vulnerability assessments targeting media frameworks. The remediation process should also include verification of third-party applications that may utilize the vulnerable library, ensuring comprehensive protection across the entire attack surface.