CVE-2020-0488 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2020
In ihevc_inter_pred_chroma_copy_ssse3 of ihevc_inter_pred_filters_ssse3_intr.c, there is a possible information disclosure due to uninitialized data. 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-158484516
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0488 resides within the ihevc_inter_pred_chroma_copy_ssse3 function in the ihevc_inter_pred_filters_ssse3_intr.c source file, representing a critical information disclosure flaw in the Android media processing stack. This issue specifically affects the HEVC (H.265) video decoding implementation that utilizes SSSE3 instruction set optimizations for chroma prediction operations. The flaw manifests when the function processes uninitialized data during chroma interpolation operations, creating potential pathways for sensitive information leakage. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-248, which addresses the exposure of uninitialized variables, and represents a direct violation of secure coding principles where memory regions are accessed without proper initialization before content consumption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a remote attacker to craft malicious video content that triggers the specific code path involving uninitialized data in the chroma prediction filter. During the HEVC decoding process, when the ihevc_inter_pred_chroma_copy_ssse3 function executes, it performs chroma sample interpolation operations that may inadvertently copy uninitialized memory contents to output buffers. This uninitialized data could contain remnants from previous operations, system memory contents, or other sensitive information from the device's memory space. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no additional execution privileges beyond normal video playback operations, making it accessible through standard media consumption channels. The attack vector is classified as remote information disclosure, meaning that an attacker could potentially exploit this through maliciously crafted media files delivered via email, web downloads, or other network-based delivery mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information leakage to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the Android security model. When uninitialized data is copied to output buffers during video decoding, it could expose sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential data that might be stored in memory regions previously used by the application. The fact that user interaction is required for exploitation through media file delivery makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios where users might unknowingly download and play malicious content. This vulnerability affects Android 11 systems and represents a significant concern for mobile device security, as video decoding is a common operation that occurs during normal device usage. The Android ID A-158484516 indicates this was properly tracked and addressed within the Android security framework, highlighting its severity and the need for prompt patching.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0488 should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures within the Android ecosystem. The primary solution involves applying the security patch provided by Google that initializes the relevant data structures before use, directly addressing the uninitialized variable issue in the HEVC decoding implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that ensure timely security updates are deployed across all Android devices within their networks. Network-based defenses can include media file scanning and filtering to identify potentially malicious content before it reaches end-user devices, though this approach is less effective for zero-day exploits. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory initialization practices in multimedia processing libraries, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, where improper memory handling can lead to information disclosure. System administrators should also consider implementing application sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms to limit the potential impact if exploitation were to occur despite preventive measures. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in multimedia libraries and the need for thorough code reviews focusing on memory management and initialization patterns.