CVE-2020-0154 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In nci_proc_core_rsp of nci_hrcv.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an incorrect 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-141550919
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0154 resides within the NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem of Android 10 operating on devices that utilize the NCI (NFC Controller Interface) protocol stack. This flaw manifests in the nci_proc_core_rsp function located in the nci_hrcv.cc source file, representing a critical security weakness that could potentially compromise device integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking mechanisms that fail to adequately validate input data boundaries, creating a scenario where malicious actors could exploit this weakness to access sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when processing NFC core response messages. The incorrect bounds check allows an attacker to manipulate input parameters in such a way that the system attempts to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 category of "Improper Validation of Array Index" and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability specifically affects the NFC controller interface processing logic where response messages from NFC devices are handled, making it particularly dangerous in environments where NFC functionality is actively used.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0154 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the device's security model. Since exploitation requires only system execution privileges rather than user interaction, attackers who have already gained system-level access to a device can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data from device firmware. This information disclosure could include cryptographic keys, device identifiers, or other confidential parameters stored in memory regions that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level, potentially allowing attackers to bypass traditional application-level security controls and access firmware components that contain critical security information.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1552.001 for Unsecured Credentials, as it enables unauthorized access to system resources that could contain sensitive information. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates how low-level firmware components can serve as attack vectors for privilege escalation or information gathering activities. Security researchers have identified that devices running Android 10 with NCI protocol implementations are at risk, particularly those with NFC capabilities that process external device responses. The Android ID A-141550919 indicates this was tracked as a specific security concern within Google's internal vulnerability tracking system, highlighting its significance in the Android security landscape.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0154 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the NFC processing code and ensuring that all input data is validated against expected boundaries before memory operations are performed. Device manufacturers should prioritize applying the relevant security patches provided by Google and other vendors that address this specific bounds checking flaw in the NCI protocol handling code. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any unauthorized access to NFC-enabled functionality and consider implementing additional runtime protections that can detect anomalous memory access patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust input validation in low-level system components where memory safety directly impacts overall device security. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their NFC implementations to identify similar bounds checking vulnerabilities that could potentially exist in other protocol handling components.