CVE-2020-0137 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In setIPv6AddrGenMode of NetworkManagementService.java, there is a possible bypass of networking permissions due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-141920289
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0137 resides within the NetworkManagementService.java component of Android 10 systems, specifically in the setIPv6AddrGenMode method. This flaw represents a critical permission bypass issue that allows unauthorized local processes to manipulate IPv6 address generation modes without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability stems from a missing permission check within the network management service implementation, creating a pathway for malicious applications or processes to elevate their privileges locally.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms, specifically in the context of Android's networking subsystem. The flaw occurs when the setIPv6AddrGenMode method fails to validate whether the calling process possesses the necessary network management permissions before executing the address generation mode change. This oversight enables any local application to modify IPv6 networking parameters that should only be accessible to system-level processes or applications with explicit network management privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant local privilege escalation vector that requires no user interaction or additional execution privileges for exploitation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to modify IPv6 address generation modes, potentially enabling them to manipulate network connectivity, redirect traffic, or establish persistent network access points. The impact extends beyond simple networking modifications as these changes can affect network security policies, routing decisions, and overall system network integrity. The vulnerability affects Android 10 systems and represents a fundamental breakdown in the Android security model's permission enforcement mechanisms.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the use of local privilege escalation techniques to gain elevated system access. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities often serve as initial access points for more sophisticated attacks, where attackers first establish local control through privilege escalation before pursuing broader system compromise. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically by malicious applications without requiring any form of social engineering or user deception.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0137 should focus on implementing proper permission checks within the NetworkManagementService.java component, ensuring that all network management operations require appropriate authentication and authorization. Android security patches should enforce strict validation of caller permissions before allowing any IPv6 address generation mode modifications. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring of network management service calls and establishing baseline network behavior to detect anomalous modifications to IPv6 addressing parameters. The vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive permission validation in system-level services and highlights the critical need for thorough security reviews of networking components in mobile operating systems.