CVE-2020-0498 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2020
In decode_packed_entry_number of codebook.c, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a heap buffer overflow. 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-160633884
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0498 resides within the decode_packed_entry_number function in the codebook.c file of Android's media processing framework. This flaw represents a heap buffer overflow condition that occurs during the decoding of packed entry numbers, specifically when handling audio or video data streams. The issue manifests as an out-of-bounds read operation that can potentially expose sensitive memory contents to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, which falls within the broader category of memory safety issues that have historically led to significant security breaches.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking during the processing of encoded audio or video data within the Android media framework. When the system attempts to decode packed entry numbers from media files, the decode_packed_entry_number function fails to validate array indices against the actual buffer boundaries. This allows an attacker to craft malicious media content that, when processed by the vulnerable Android system, triggers the buffer overflow condition. The flaw does not require any special execution privileges or root access, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited through standard user interaction patterns such as opening or playing media files. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the exploitation of legitimate system processes to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0498 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive system memory contents including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by sending specially crafted media files through various communication channels such as email attachments, messaging applications, or media sharing platforms. The exploitation requires user interaction, meaning that a victim must open or play the malicious media file for the vulnerability to be triggered, which makes this attack vector particularly effective in social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability affects Android 11 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-160633884, indicating its presence in the Android security bulletin and subsequent patch releases.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on applying the official Android security patches released by Google, which address the underlying buffer overflow condition through proper bounds checking and memory validation. System administrators should ensure that all Android devices are updated to the latest security patches, particularly those released in the Q3 2020 security updates. Network administrators can implement additional protective measures such as media file filtering and sandboxing of media processing components to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing systems, as highlighted by industry best practices in secure coding standards and the CWE guidelines for preventing buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain regular security assessments of their Android-based systems to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.