CVE-2020-0153 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In phNxpNciHal_write_ext of phNxpNciHal_ext.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-139733543
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0153 resides within the phNxpNciHal_write_ext function of the phNxpNciHal_ext.cc file, representing a critical security flaw in Android's NFC hardware abstraction layer implementation. This issue manifests as a missing bounds check during memory operations, creating a potential out-of-bounds write condition that can be exploited to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects Android 10 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-139733543, highlighting its significance within the mobile security landscape.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the NFC hardware driver component, where the phNxpNciHal_write_ext function fails to verify buffer boundaries before performing write operations. This missing bounds check creates a scenario where malicious code can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or injecting malicious code into the kernel space. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that an attacker with system execution privileges can leverage this flaw to elevate their access level, potentially gaining root access to the device's core operating system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a fundamental weakness in Android's NFC subsystem security model. Attackers can exploit this condition without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically when NFC functionality is accessed or when NFC transactions occur. The vulnerability's presence in the hardware abstraction layer means that successful exploitation could compromise the entire device security architecture, potentially affecting other security mechanisms that depend on the integrity of the NFC subsystem. This flaw directly relates to CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking in software implementations, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0153 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the NFC hardware abstraction layer, ensuring that all buffer operations include proper validation before memory writes occur. Device manufacturers should prioritize applying the latest security patches and firmware updates that address this specific vulnerability, while security researchers should monitor for potential exploitation attempts targeting this flaw. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, memory protection mechanisms, and address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Organizations should also consider network-level monitoring to detect anomalous NFC communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining awareness of the broader implications for Android security architecture and the potential for similar vulnerabilities in other hardware abstraction layers. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of rigorous security testing for low-level system components and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation across all kernel-level drivers in mobile operating systems.