CVE-2020-0155 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In phNxpNciHal_send_ese_hal_cmd 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 User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-139736386
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0155 resides within the NFC (Near Field Communication) HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) implementation of Android 10 systems, specifically in the phNxpNciHal_send_ese_hal_cmd function located in phNxpNciHal_ext.cc. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges locally, requiring only standard user execution privileges to exploit. The vulnerability manifests as a missing bounds check during data handling operations, creating an opportunity for out-of-bounds memory writes that could be leveraged for privilege escalation.
This issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-129, which specifically addresses "Improper Validation of Array Index" and is classified as a buffer overflow vulnerability. The vulnerability occurs within the context of NFC communication handling, where the system processes commands related to the ESE (Embedded Secure Element) component of the NFC hardware. The missing bounds validation allows malicious code to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and enabling arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires local execution privileges but does not necessitate user interaction, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited by any user with access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain elevated system privileges and potentially access sensitive system resources. The exploitation process would involve crafting specific NFC commands that trigger the buffer overflow condition, allowing the attacker to overwrite critical memory locations and execute malicious code with higher privileges. This vulnerability affects the Android 10 operating system and is particularly relevant to devices that utilize NXP's NFC hardware components, which are commonly found in modern smartphones and tablets. The Android ID A-139736386 identifies this specific flaw within Google's vulnerability tracking system, indicating its recognition and prioritization within the Android security framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0155 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the NFC HAL implementation and applying the relevant security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. System administrators and security teams should prioritize updating affected Android 10 devices to the latest security patches, as these updates typically include memory validation fixes and enhanced bounds checking. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," highlighting how this specific flaw could be exploited as part of broader attack chains targeting system privileges. Device manufacturers should ensure that their firmware updates include comprehensive memory safety measures and that the NFC subsystem properly validates all input data before processing to prevent similar out-of-bounds write conditions from occurring in future implementations.