CVE-2020-0074 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In verifyIntentFiltersIfNeeded of PackageManagerService.java, there is a possible settings bypass allowing an app to become the default handler for arbitrary domains. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-8.0 Android-8.1 Android-9 Android-10Android ID: A-146204120
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0074 resides within the PackageManagerService.java component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions ranging from Android 8.0 through Android 11. This flaw manifests in the verifyIntentFiltersIfNeeded method where a potential settings bypass exists that allows malicious applications to assume the role of default handler for arbitrary domains. The security implications are significant as this vulnerability could enable local privilege escalation, requiring only user execution privileges for exploitation. The absence of user interaction requirements for successful exploitation makes this particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective, as it can be leveraged without direct user involvement or consent.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation within the intent filter verification process that governs how applications register to handle specific types of content or web requests. When an application attempts to register intent filters for domain handling, the system should enforce proper authorization checks to prevent unauthorized applications from becoming default handlers for domains they do not legitimately own or control. However, the flaw in verifyIntentFiltersIfNeeded allows an attacker to bypass these critical validation mechanisms, potentially enabling them to intercept and redirect web traffic intended for legitimate applications.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for user privacy and system integrity. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw could redirect web traffic, potentially intercepting sensitive data or performing man-in-the-middle attacks against users. The impact extends beyond simple data interception as it fundamentally undermines the Android security model's trust boundaries. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, specifically in the context of Android's package management system where proper authorization should prevent unauthorized applications from assuming trusted roles. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0074 primarily involve applying the latest security patches and updates from Android vendors, as this represents a known issue that has been addressed through system updates. Organizations should ensure their Android devices are running the most current firmware versions that contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on identifying unauthorized applications attempting to register for domain handling capabilities, particularly those that might be attempting to bypass normal registration processes. Network administrators should implement appropriate monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns in domain handling registrations and alert on potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of Android device configurations and application permissions should also be conducted to identify and remediate any potential vulnerabilities in the system's intent handling mechanisms.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control validation within Android's package management system and highlights how flaws in core system components can have far-reaching security implications. The fact that it affects multiple Android versions underscores the need for comprehensive patch management strategies across all supported platforms. Security teams should treat this vulnerability as a high-priority issue requiring immediate attention and remediation to prevent potential exploitation in real-world scenarios.