CVE-2020-0150 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In rw_t3t_message_set_block_list of rw_t3t.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds 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-142280329
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0150 resides within the Android 10 operating system's NFC (Near Field Communication) stack, specifically in the rw_t3t_message_set_block_list function located in the rw_t3t.cc source file. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could enable local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The vulnerability manifests as a missing bounds check during the processing of NFC T3T (Type 3 Tag) messages, creating an out-of-bounds write condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the NFC stack's handling of Type 3 Tag communication protocols where the rw_t3t_message_set_block_list function fails to validate the boundaries of memory operations when processing block list data. When an NFC device receives a specially crafted T3T message containing malformed block list information, the function does not properly validate the size or range of the data being written to memory, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds write condition can corrupt adjacent memory regions and potentially overwrite critical system data structures or function pointers, providing a pathway for privilege escalation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant threat to Android 10 devices since it requires no user interaction and can be exploited locally through NFC communication. The attack vector leverages the NFC subsystem's normal operation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered during routine NFC interactions such as contactless payments, device pairing, or data transfer operations. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that even users with standard permissions could potentially gain elevated privileges, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise and personal device security.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The flaw specifically enables local privilege escalation through memory corruption, allowing an attacker to elevate their privileges from a standard user context to system-level access. This capability could be leveraged to gain complete control over the device, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or install malicious applications without user consent. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities in NFC stacks are particularly dangerous because NFC operations often occur in trusted environments where users may not expect security checks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0150 should focus on immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, which typically address the missing bounds check in the rw_t3t_message_set_block_list function. Organizations should implement network segmentation and NFC communication restrictions where possible, particularly in enterprise environments where sensitive data is handled. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that NFC functionality is properly configured and that devices are running the latest security patches. Device administrators should consider disabling NFC features when not actively needed, and organizations should implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous NFC communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in security-critical subsystems and highlights the need for comprehensive code reviews focusing on buffer overflow protections in mobile operating system components.