CVE-2020-0165 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In phNxpNciHal_NfcDep_cmd_ext of phNxpNciHal_NfcDepSWPrio.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege via compromised device firmware with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-139532977
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0165 resides within the NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem of Android devices, specifically within the phNxpNciHal_NfcDepSWPrio.cc source file. This issue manifests as a potential out of bounds write condition that stems from an inadequate bounds check implementation. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects the NFC delegation command extension functionality, which operates at a critical system level within the Android framework. The vulnerability exists in the phNxpNciHal_NfcDep_cmd_ext function where memory operations are performed without proper validation of array indices or buffer limits.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that can lead to memory corruption. The flaw allows for arbitrary memory writes beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially enabling attackers to overwrite critical system data structures or code segments. When exploited, this vulnerability can result in local privilege escalation, as it requires only system execution privileges to compromise device firmware. The attack vector leverages the NFC hardware abstraction layer's handling of delegation commands, which are typically processed with elevated privileges due to their role in managing secure communication protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides a pathway for attackers to gain deeper system access and potentially compromise the entire device security model. Since the exploitation requires only system-level execution privileges, it can be particularly dangerous in environments where NFC functionality is actively used or where the device firmware is not properly isolated from malicious code execution. The vulnerability affects Android 10 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-139532977, indicating its presence in the Android security framework's vulnerability tracking system. This particular issue is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0165 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the NFC delegation command processing code, ensuring that all array accesses are validated against their declared boundaries. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize updating to patched versions of the Android operating system that contain fixes for this vulnerability. The implementation of memory safety checks and bounds validation should be enforced throughout the NFC hardware abstraction layer to prevent similar issues from occurring in other related functions. Additionally, runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization should be considered as additional layers of defense against potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of NFC-related code components are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.