CVE-2020-0176 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In avdt_msg_prs_rej of avdt_msg.cc, there is a possible out-of-bounds read due to improper input validation. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-79702484
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0176 resides within the Bluetooth audio streaming component of Android systems, specifically in the avdt_msg_prs_rej function located in avdt_msg.cc. This flaw represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms. The issue manifests when processing Bluetooth audio control messages, particularly during rejection handling operations within the Audio Video Streaming Transport Protocol. The vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which categorizes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security design.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the system processes malformed Bluetooth control messages without adequate bounds checking on incoming data structures. The avdt_msg_prs_rej function fails to validate the length or content of received message parameters before attempting to access memory locations that may not be properly allocated or within expected bounds. This allows an attacker to craft specially formatted Bluetooth control packets that trigger memory access violations, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. The flaw operates at the protocol parsing layer where Bluetooth audio streaming control messages are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard Bluetooth communication channels.
Remote exploitation of this vulnerability does not require any special privileges or user interaction, making it highly concerning from a security perspective. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range of a vulnerable Android device can transmit maliciously crafted control messages to trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. The information disclosure occurs through the memory access violation itself, where adjacent memory contents may be exposed to the attacker, potentially including cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other sensitive data. This vulnerability affects Android 10 systems and represents a significant risk to user privacy and device security, as it allows for passive information gathering without requiring active user participation or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0176 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could enable more sophisticated attacks when combined with other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's presence in the Bluetooth audio streaming stack means that any device running affected Android versions could be compromised during normal Bluetooth operations. This includes smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices that support Bluetooth audio streaming. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface that could be leveraged for reconnaissance or as a stepping stone for more advanced exploitation techniques. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation or information gathering technique that can be executed through network-based attacks without requiring user interaction. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-129 emphasizes the need for robust input validation practices throughout the software development lifecycle, particularly in protocol handling components that process untrusted network data.