CVE-2019-2223
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote code execution on Android devices through a missing bounds check in the ihevcd_ref_list function. Attackers can exploit this by tricking users into opening malicious video files, potentially gaining full control of the device. Affects Android versions 8.0 through 10.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise with remote code execution leading to data theft, surveillance, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges and access sensitive data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are patched or have security software that detects malicious video files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction (opening malicious video file). No authentication needed beyond user action.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Patch Level 2019-12-05 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2019-12-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System update. 2. Check for updates. 3. Install Android Security Patch Level 2019-12-05 or later. 4. Restart device.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable automatic media processing
androidPrevent automatic processing of video files from untrusted sources
Use security software
androidInstall mobile security software that can detect malicious video files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict installation of apps from unknown sources
- Educate users about risks of opening video files from untrusted sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version and security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android versionCheck Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level is 2019-12-05 or later in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Crash logs from media server processes
- Unexpected video codec processing errors
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of suspicious video files from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
process:media AND (crash OR out_of_bounds OR ihevcd)