CVE-2020-0384 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Parse_art of eas_mdls.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure in the media extractor with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-8.1 Android-9 Android-10 Android-11 Android-8.0Android ID: A-150159906
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0384 resides within the media extraction component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions 8.0 through 11. This flaw manifests in the parse_art function located within the eas_mdls.c source file, representing a critical security weakness that could be exploited remotely without requiring additional privileges. The vulnerability stems from an improper bounds checking mechanism that fails to adequately validate input data during media file processing, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic out-of-bounds write condition where the parse_art function does not correctly verify the boundaries of memory allocations when processing media metadata. This incorrect validation allows an attacker to craft specially malformed media files that, when processed by the vulnerable media extractor, can cause the application to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and input validation, where insufficient boundary checks enable arbitrary memory corruption that can be leveraged for information disclosure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Android devices as it requires no additional execution privileges for exploitation and can be triggered through remote media file delivery. The need for user interaction indicates that the attack vector likely involves the user opening or processing a malicious media file, which could be delivered through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or instant messaging applications. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited in the wild without requiring the user to perform any privileged actions beyond normal media consumption.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds write condition could potentially be chained with other exploits to achieve more severe outcomes including arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through media playback. The affected Android versions span multiple release cycles, indicating this flaw has persisted across several security updates and represents a long-standing issue in the media processing subsystem. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including disabling vulnerable media processing features, applying security patches, and monitoring for suspicious media file activity that could indicate exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure threat means that attackers can potentially extract sensitive data from affected devices without requiring physical access or elevated privileges. This characteristic makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where mobile devices may contain confidential information or serve as entry points to larger network infrastructures. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Android versions suggests that the underlying codebase has been vulnerable for an extended period, highlighting the importance of regular security audits and proactive vulnerability management in mobile operating systems.