CVE-2020-0147 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In btu_hcif_esco_connection_chg_evt of btu_hcif.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-142638392
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0147 resides within the Bluetooth stack implementation of Android 10 operating systems, specifically within the btu_hcif_esco_connection_chg_evt function located in the btu_hcif.cc source file. This represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that emerges from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms during Bluetooth connection state transitions. The flaw occurs when the system processes enhanced synchronous connection events, which are fundamental components of Bluetooth audio streaming and other time-sensitive wireless communications. The vulnerability manifests as a memory access violation where the system attempts to read data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess system-level execution privileges, typically achieved through compromised device firmware or a pre-existing root compromise. This prerequisite aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation categories, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code with elevated system permissions. The missing bounds check represents a classic software development error that falls under CWE-129, which encompasses improper validation of array indices or other forms of bounds checking failures. When the Bluetooth subsystem processes connection change events, it fails to validate the size or range of incoming data parameters before accessing memory locations, creating an exploitable condition that could be leveraged to extract confidential information from the device's memory space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could enable attackers to access sensitive data that might include encryption keys, authentication credentials, or other proprietary information stored within the device's memory. The exploitation scenario assumes that an attacker has already achieved a foothold on the device through other means such as firmware manipulation or physical access, as the vulnerability itself does not require user interaction for exploitation. This characteristic places the vulnerability within the context of advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers seek to maximize the information extraction potential from compromised devices. The nature of Bluetooth communication protocols means that such vulnerabilities can potentially be exploited in both local and remote scenarios, particularly when devices are paired or in discovery mode.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0147 primarily focus on patching the Android 10 operating system with the appropriate security updates provided by Google and device manufacturers. The fix typically involves implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth stack's event processing functions, ensuring that all input parameters are validated before memory access operations occur. Device manufacturers should prioritize the deployment of security patches to affected Android 10 devices, particularly those used in enterprise environments where sensitive data may be present. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous Bluetooth activity that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining strict firmware update policies to prevent the deployment of vulnerable versions. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and thorough code review processes for critical system components, particularly those handling user input or external communications within mobile operating systems.