CVE-2020-0134 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In BnDrm::onTransact of IDrm.cpp, there is a possible information disclosure due to uninitialized data. 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-146052771
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0134 resides within the Android framework's DRM (Digital Rights Management) implementation, specifically in the BnDrm::onTransact method located in IDrm.cpp. This flaw represents a classic case of information disclosure through uninitialized memory access, where the system fails to properly initialize data structures before exposing them to external processes. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-457 as "Use of Uninitialized Variable" which directly impacts the security posture of Android devices by potentially leaking sensitive information through improper memory handling.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs within the Binder IPC (Inter-Process Communication) mechanism that Android employs for communication between different processes. When the BnDrm::onTransact method processes incoming transactions, it appears to reference memory locations that have not been properly initialized, creating a scenario where residual data from previous operations might be inadvertently exposed to unauthorized processes. This type of information disclosure can potentially reveal sensitive cryptographic keys, session identifiers, or other confidential data that should remain protected within the DRM subsystem. The vulnerability does not require any special privileges or user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered by any process that can communicate with the DRM service through the Binder interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0134 extends beyond simple data leakage, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Android's memory management and security boundaries. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gather information that could aid in more sophisticated attacks, potentially compromising the entire DRM ecosystem and the protected content it manages. The vulnerability affects Android 10 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-146052771, indicating its severity and the need for immediate remediation. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 as it involves data from local system information discovery, and could potentially enable other attack vectors by providing attackers with additional information to craft more targeted exploits against the DRM infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on ensuring proper memory initialization within the DRM service implementation, particularly in the BnDrm::onTransact method. Android security patches typically address such issues by implementing proper initialization of all variables and memory structures before they are exposed through the Binder interface. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the latest security updates that contain fixes for this specific memory handling issue. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to DRM services and implementing proper access controls can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management in security-critical components, as it represents a failure to follow fundamental security principles that are essential for maintaining the integrity of Android's protected content infrastructure.