CVE-2020-0145 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In btm_simple_pair_complete of btm_sec.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure via compromised device firmware with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-142544079
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0145 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth security component of Android systems, specifically within the btm_simple_pair_complete function located in btm_sec.cc. This issue arises from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms that should validate input parameters before processing them. The vulnerability exists in Android 10 operating systems and is catalogued with the Android ID A-142544079, indicating its significance within the Android security framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the Bluetooth security pairing process. When the btm_simple_pair_complete function processes pairing completion requests, it fails to verify that array indices or buffer access operations remain within valid memory boundaries. This missing bounds check creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate input data in such a way that memory accesses extend beyond allocated buffer limits, potentially reading sensitive information from adjacent memory locations. The flaw specifically affects the Bluetooth security subsystem which handles device pairing and authentication processes.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess system-level execution privileges, meaning they must already have compromised device firmware or gained root access to the target system. This prerequisite significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to extract sensitive information from memory locations that should remain protected. The local information disclosure aspect means that an attacker with system execution privileges could potentially access confidential data, cryptographic keys, or other sensitive information stored in memory regions adjacent to the vulnerable code path. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper bounds checking in software implementations, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues that can lead to information disclosure attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0145 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within compromised Android environments. While the vulnerability requires system-level privileges for exploitation, it demonstrates the importance of robust bounds checking in security-critical code sections. The flaw highlights the need for comprehensive input validation in Bluetooth security implementations, particularly in functions that handle pairing completion and authentication processes. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, especially in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is critical and where device firmware integrity is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth security subsystem, ensuring that all array accesses and buffer operations are validated before execution. Android security updates and patches addressing this vulnerability typically involve adding explicit bounds validation checks to prevent out-of-bounds memory access. System administrators should prioritize applying the relevant Android security patches to affected devices, particularly those running Android 10. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of anomalous Bluetooth pairing behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following industry standards such as those recommended by the CERT/CC and NIST for preventing memory safety issues in embedded systems and mobile operating environments. This type of vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves executing malicious code through system-level privileges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls at multiple layers of the system architecture.