CVE-2020-0370 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In libAACdec, there is a possible out of bounds read due to 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-112051700
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0370 resides within the libAACdec component of Android's media framework, specifically affecting Android 11 systems. This issue represents a critical security flaw that manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition, where the decoder fails to properly validate input data boundaries before processing audio frames. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient input validation, specifically manifesting as an improper validation of input length or size. The flaw exists within the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) audio decoding library, which is fundamental to Android's multimedia processing capabilities and handles audio content across various applications and system services.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the AAC decoder processes malformed audio data without adequate bounds checking mechanisms. When an attacker crafts specially designed audio files or streams that exploit this condition, the decoder attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds memory access can result in information disclosure, where adjacent memory contents are inadvertently exposed to the attacker. The vulnerability requires no elevated privileges for exploitation, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered through standard user interaction such as playing malicious audio content or opening compromised media files. The Android ID A-112051700 confirms this as a system-level issue affecting the core media processing infrastructure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Android device security and user privacy. The information disclosure aspect means that sensitive data potentially stored in adjacent memory regions could be accessed, including application data, system credentials, or other confidential information. The requirement for only user interaction to exploit this vulnerability means that casual users could be compromised through normal media consumption activities such as listening to music, watching videos, or using applications that process audio content. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the vulnerability enables information gathering through legitimate media processing pathways. The impact extends beyond individual user privacy to potential system compromise, as the leaked information could provide attackers with additional attack vectors or system state details.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0370 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, which typically address the missing bounds checking mechanisms in the libAACdec library. System administrators and device manufacturers must prioritize the deployment of the Android 11 security patches that contain the necessary code fixes to prevent the out-of-bounds read condition. Additionally, implementing network-level restrictions on audio content processing, particularly for untrusted sources, can provide temporary protection. The fix involves adding proper input validation checks before memory access operations, ensuring that all audio frame sizes and buffer boundaries are verified against expected parameters. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual audio processing behavior or memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of media processing components and implementation of secure coding practices that emphasize bounds checking and input validation will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations.