CVE-2020-0148 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In btu_hcif_pin_code_request_evt, btu_hcif_link_key_request_evt, and btu_hcif_link_key_notification_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-142638492
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0148 resides within the Bluetooth stack implementation of Android 10 systems, specifically affecting the btu_hcif.cc file which handles Bluetooth hardware controller interface operations. This flaw manifests in three distinct functions: btu_hcif_pin_code_request_evt, btu_hcif_link_key_request_evt, and btu_hcif_link_key_notification_evt, all of which process Bluetooth pairing and authentication events. The core issue stems from missing bounds checking mechanisms that should validate input data before processing, creating potential pathways for memory access violations. According to the Android Security Bulletin and internal Android bug tracking systems, this vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the Bluetooth subsystem that could be exploited by malicious actors with system-level privileges.
The technical flaw constitutes an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the Bluetooth stack processes authentication-related events without proper validation of buffer sizes or data lengths. When these specific functions receive malformed or unexpected input data during Bluetooth pairing operations, they attempt to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This memory access violation can result in information disclosure, where sensitive data from adjacent memory regions may be read and potentially exposed to unauthorized processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level, requiring only system execution privileges to exploit rather than requiring user interaction or physical access to the device. This aligns with CWE-129, which categorizes improper bounds checking as a fundamental weakness in software design that leads to memory safety issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0148 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential vector for privilege escalation and device compromise within the Android ecosystem. Attackers who can execute code with system privileges on a Bluetooth-enabled device can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the device's memory, potentially including cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability affects all Android 10 devices and is particularly dangerous because it operates silently in the background during normal Bluetooth operations, making detection difficult for end users. This type of vulnerability fits within ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique, where adversaries may use system-level commands to access sensitive information, and T1566.001 technique for initial access through wireless network protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0148 should prioritize immediate system updates from Android security patches, as Google released comprehensive fixes for this vulnerability in their regular security updates. Organizations and device manufacturers should implement robust memory validation checks in their Bluetooth stack implementations, ensuring all input data undergoes proper bounds verification before processing. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Network administrators should monitor for unusual Bluetooth activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all Bluetooth-enabled systems within their environments. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and implementing automated code review processes that can identify missing bounds checks and other memory safety issues in embedded systems and mobile platforms.