CVE-2020-0167 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In load of ResourceTypes.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an integer overflow. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-129475100
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0167 resides within the ResourceTypes.cpp component of Android 10 systems, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition stemming from an integer overflow during resource loading operations. This flaw manifests in the improper handling of integer values when processing resource type data structures, specifically affecting the load operations that occur during system resource initialization and management. The vulnerability exists at the core of Android's resource management system where type identifiers are processed and validated, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted resource files could trigger unexpected behavior in the underlying memory management routines.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs when the system attempts to calculate memory boundaries for resource type structures. When processing resource files, the system performs arithmetic operations on integer values that, under certain conditions, exceed the maximum representable value for the data type used. This overflow results in a corrupted memory access pattern where the system attempts to read from memory locations that are either beyond the allocated buffer boundaries or at arbitrary memory addresses. The out-of-bounds read operation can potentially expose sensitive information from adjacent memory locations, including system credentials, application data, or other confidential information stored in memory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local information disclosure without requiring any elevated privileges or additional execution capabilities. An attacker with local access to the device can exploit this vulnerability through carefully constructed resource files that trigger the integer overflow condition during normal system operations. The requirement for user interaction indicates that the exploitation typically occurs when a user opens or interacts with a maliciously crafted resource file, such as an image, audio file, or other media that contains embedded resource type data. This makes the attack surface broader as users may inadvertently encounter these malicious resources during routine device usage, particularly through file sharing applications or media processing activities.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and information disclosure. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059, where adversaries leverage system-level vulnerabilities to extract sensitive information from targeted systems. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure means that while it does not provide direct execution capabilities, it can serve as a reconnaissance step for more sophisticated attacks. The integer overflow condition creates a predictable memory access pattern that can be exploited to gather information about system memory layout, application state, or other sensitive data that may be stored in adjacent memory regions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0167 focus primarily on updating to patched versions of Android 10 where the integer overflow condition has been properly addressed through improved input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Android devices are updated with the latest security patches provided by Google. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual resource loading patterns or memory access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in system-level components and underscores the need for robust integer arithmetic handling in resource management code. Security teams should also review their incident response procedures to account for potential information disclosure scenarios that might arise from similar integer overflow vulnerabilities in other system components.