CVE-2020-0123 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
There is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check.Product: AndroidVersions: Android SoCAndroid ID: A-149871374
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in Android's system components that stems from an inadequate bounds checking mechanism within the software architecture. The issue manifests as an incorrect validation of memory access boundaries, allowing malicious actors to potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from insufficient input validation or flawed boundary calculations that fail to properly account for all possible memory access scenarios. The Android SoC (System-on-Chip) environment presents unique challenges where hardware and software components interact closely, creating potential attack vectors that can be exploited through carefully crafted inputs. This particular vulnerability affects the core Android operating system and is identified by the Android ID A-149871374, indicating it was tracked within Google's internal vulnerability management system.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves memory management functions that fail to properly validate array indices or buffer limits before performing write operations. When the system processes data inputs, it performs boundary checks that are insufficient or incorrectly implemented, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory access patterns. The vulnerability can be triggered through various attack vectors including malformed data inputs, network communications, or file processing operations that ultimately reach the vulnerable code path. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 category of "Improper Validation of Array Index" and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" when considering the potential for privilege escalation and system compromise. The root cause typically involves developers assuming certain data ranges or buffer sizes without proper validation, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can enable attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code within the Android environment. Successful exploitation could allow adversaries to compromise the entire device, potentially leading to data theft, persistent backdoors, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects all Android versions and SoC implementations, making it particularly concerning for widespread deployment. Attackers may leverage this flaw in combination with other exploits to achieve full system compromise, especially when combined with privilege escalation techniques or when targeting specific hardware configurations. The potential for remote code execution through network-based attacks makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in mobile environments where devices frequently connect to untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and Google, as well as comprehensive code review processes to identify similar boundary checking flaws. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure all devices receive security updates promptly. The fix typically involves strengthening the bounds checking mechanisms to properly validate all memory access operations, including edge cases and maximum buffer sizes. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as memory protection features, address space layout randomization, and stack canaries to reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential boundary checking issues in custom applications and system components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of rigorous input validation and memory management practices in mobile operating systems, aligning with industry best practices for secure coding and vulnerability remediation.