CVE-2020-0126 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In multiple functions in DrmPlugin.cpp, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. This could lead to local code execution with System execution privileges required. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-137878930
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0126 resides within the DrmPlugin.cpp component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android 10 deployments. This issue represents a critical race condition that manifests as a use-after-free error, creating a potential pathway for local code execution with system-level privileges. The flaw occurs across multiple functions within the digital rights management plugin implementation, making it particularly concerning given the broad attack surface.
The technical root cause stems from improper synchronization mechanisms during memory management operations within the DRM plugin subsystem. When multiple threads access shared resources without adequate locking mechanisms, a race condition can occur where one thread frees memory while another thread attempts to access the same memory location. This fundamental flaw in concurrent programming creates a window where freed memory can be reused or accessed, leading to unpredictable behavior that adversaries can exploit. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Android system, making it particularly dangerous as it requires only system execution privileges for exploitation rather than elevated administrative rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain full system control through local means. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, malicious actors can leverage this flaw without needing to trick users into performing specific actions. The race condition nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation is highly dependent on timing and system conditions, but once achieved, it grants complete control over the affected device. This makes it particularly attractive to attackers seeking persistent access or privilege escalation within Android environments.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Android security patches and updates from Google, which address the underlying race condition in the DrmPlugin.cpp implementation. System administrators should also consider monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and implementing additional runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their Android deployments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Android 10 and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416 which describes use-after-free conditions, and represents a potential pathway for ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting local system privileges for escalation.