CVE-2020-0209 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In multiple functions of AccountManager.java, there is a possible permissions bypass. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-145206842
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0209 represents a critical permissions bypass flaw within the Android AccountManager.java component that enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. This issue resides in the Android 10 operating system and affects the core account management functionality that handles user authentication and authorization processes. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within multiple functions of the AccountManager class, which are responsible for managing user accounts and their associated permissions across the Android framework.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient validation of access permissions within the AccountManager.java file, where several functions fail to properly verify the calling process's privileges before executing sensitive operations. This allows malicious applications or processes running with standard user privileges to bypass normal permission checks and gain elevated access to account management functions. The vulnerability specifically targets the way the system validates whether a process has adequate permissions to perform account-related operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation. According to CWE-284, this vulnerability maps directly to improper access control issues where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions, making it a clear example of inadequate privilege enforcement mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0209 is severe as it enables local attackers to escalate their privileges to the system level without requiring any additional attack vectors or user interaction. This means that any application with basic user permissions could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain full system access, undermining the fundamental security model of the Android operating system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because account management functions are integral to the Android framework and are accessed by numerous system components and applications. Once exploited, the vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive user data, modify account configurations, and potentially gain complete control over the device's authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches from device manufacturers, as the flaw exists at the core framework level of Android 10. Security professionals should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which applications can access account management functions, while also monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain system-level access. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Android device management policies and ensure that proper security configurations are in place to prevent exploitation. Device administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory application vetting processes and regular security audits to prevent unauthorized applications from exploiting this privilege escalation vector.