CVE-2020-0201 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In showSecurityFields of WifiConfigController.java there is a possible credential leak due to a confused deputy. This could lead to remote escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-143601727
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0201 resides within the Android operating system's WifiConfigController.java component, specifically in the showSecurityFields method. This flaw represents a confused deputy problem that occurs when an application incorrectly handles security field display logic, creating an unintended pathway for credential exposure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it a significant security risk for Android 10 devices. The Android ID A-143601727 identifies this specific issue within Google's internal tracking system, highlighting its classification as a critical security concern.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of inter-process communication within the Wi-Fi configuration framework. When the showSecurityFields method processes security field display operations, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the context from which security parameters are being accessed. This confusion between different security contexts allows an attacker to manipulate the flow of information, potentially accessing sensitive credential data that should remain protected. The flaw operates at the system level where Wi-Fi configuration interfaces interact with underlying security mechanisms, creating a scenario where legitimate system components can be tricked into exposing confidential information. This issue aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control vulnerabilities, and specifically relates to confused deputy problems that occur when a program or process is tricked into performing actions on behalf of another entity.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0201 extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides a pathway for remote privilege escalation that could enable attackers to gain elevated system privileges. This vulnerability affects all Android 10 devices and potentially impacts the broader Android ecosystem where similar implementation patterns exist. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any user involvement, potentially allowing for widespread compromise of affected devices. The vulnerability could enable attackers to access Wi-Fi credentials, network authentication tokens, and other sensitive security information that could be used for further exploitation or lateral movement within networks. This represents a critical weakness in Android's security architecture that undermines the trust model of the operating system's Wi-Fi configuration subsystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Google, as the issue was addressed through Android security updates. Organizations should ensure all Android 10 devices receive the latest security patches to eliminate this vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring for unusual Wi-Fi configuration activities and consider implementing additional authentication layers for critical network access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper context validation in system components and highlights the need for robust access control mechanisms in inter-process communication scenarios. Security professionals should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability reinforces the necessity of following secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in security-sensitive components of operating systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that address both application-level and system-level vulnerabilities.