CVE-2020-0106 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In getCellLocation of PhoneInterfaceManager.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to a missing SDK version check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-148414207
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0106 resides within the Android operating system's PhoneInterfaceManager.java component, specifically in the getCellLocation method implementation. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that allows unauthorized information disclosure through a permission bypass mechanism. The vulnerability manifests due to an inadequate SDK version check within the method's logic, creating a pathway for malicious actors to access cellular location information without proper authorization. The issue affects Android 10 systems and is catalogued under Android ID A-148414207, indicating its severity and the need for immediate attention from device manufacturers and security professionals.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the absence of proper version validation before executing sensitive operations within the getCellLocation method. When an application attempts to retrieve cellular location data, the system should verify whether the requesting application possesses the appropriate permissions and whether the SDK version supports such operations. However, the missing SDK version check allows any application to bypass these security controls, potentially exposing sensitive cellular location information to unauthorized entities. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor that enables information disclosure without requiring any additional privileges or execution capabilities beyond what is already available to the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as cellular location data represents highly sensitive personal information that can be used for tracking and profiling purposes. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gather detailed location intelligence about users without their knowledge or consent, potentially leading to privacy violations, targeted attacks, or even physical security risks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically by malicious applications already present on the device. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves executing malicious code through legitimate system processes, and T1074 which focuses on data staging through information gathering activities.
Organizations and device manufacturers should implement immediate mitigations including updating affected Android 10 systems with the latest security patches, reviewing application permission models, and monitoring for suspicious location data access patterns. The fix typically involves adding proper SDK version checks within the PhoneInterfaceManager.java file to ensure that only authorized applications with appropriate permissions can access cellular location information. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any applications that might be exploiting this vulnerability, while developers should review their code implementations to ensure proper version validation and access control mechanisms are in place. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining robust permission models and version validation checks in mobile operating systems, particularly in components that handle sensitive user data such as location information.