CVE-2020-0149 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In btu_hcif_mode_change_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-142544089
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0149 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth subsystem of Android 10 operating systems. This issue resides in the btu_hcif_mode_change_evt function located in the btu_hcif.cc source file, which forms part of the Bluetooth stack implementation. The vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check that allows an attacker to manipulate memory access patterns during Bluetooth mode transition events. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes mode change events within the Bluetooth hardware interface, creating a scenario where array indices or buffer offsets can exceed their valid boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which encompasses issues related to insufficient checking of array indices or buffer bounds, making it a direct descendant of the broader class of buffer overflow vulnerabilities that have plagued software systems for decades.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates a pathway for local information disclosure that could be leveraged by malicious actors with system-level privileges. An attacker requiring only system execution privileges can exploit this flaw to read sensitive data from memory locations that should remain protected, potentially exposing confidential information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other proprietary data stored within the device's memory space. The exploitation process does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically when Bluetooth mode changes occur during normal device operation. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of system services and APIs to execute malicious code, and T1068, which focuses on the exploitation of local system vulnerabilities for privilege escalation.
The security implications of CVE-2020-0149 are particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of Android 10 and the fundamental role that Bluetooth plays in modern mobile device functionality. Bluetooth connections are frequently established and maintained throughout the day, creating numerous opportunities for exploitation of this vulnerability. The fact that this flaw exists within the core Bluetooth hardware interface layer means that it operates at a low level within the system architecture, potentially allowing attackers to bypass higher-level security mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how hardware abstraction layers can introduce security gaps when proper input validation is omitted, particularly when dealing with asynchronous events that occur during hardware state transitions. Organizations and users should be aware that this vulnerability represents a significant risk to device confidentiality and could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks if combined with other exploitation techniques. The Android security team has addressed this issue in subsequent updates, but devices that remain unpatched continue to expose themselves to potential exploitation by threat actors who may have already developed working payloads for this specific vulnerability.