CVE-2020-0239 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In getDocumentMetadata of DocumentsContract.java, there is a possible disclosure of location metadata from a file due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local information disclosure from a file (eg. a photo) containing location metadata with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-9 Android-10Android ID: A-151095863
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0239 resides within the Android operating system's DocumentsContract.java component, specifically in the getDocumentMetadata method. This flaw represents a significant privacy and security concern as it enables unauthorized disclosure of location metadata embedded within files stored on the device. The vulnerability stems from inadequate permission controls that allow malicious applications or processes to bypass normal access restrictions and extract geolocation data from files without proper authorization. The affected Android versions include Android 9 and Android 10, making this a widespread issue across multiple generations of the mobile operating system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms, and demonstrates how insufficient privilege checks can lead to information disclosure. When applications attempt to retrieve metadata from documents using the getDocumentMetadata method, the system fails to properly validate whether the requesting entity has appropriate permissions to access location-specific data embedded within file content. This permission bypass occurs at the system level where the DocumentsContract.java component should enforce strict access controls but instead allows read operations on metadata that contains sensitive location information. The vulnerability operates without requiring any user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically by malicious applications already present on the device.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0239 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates a persistent threat vector for location-based tracking and surveillance. An attacker who can leverage this vulnerability gains access to geotags embedded in photos, videos, or other media files, potentially revealing sensitive information about user locations, travel patterns, and personal habits. This metadata disclosure can be particularly damaging in contexts where users expect privacy, such as when taking photos in sensitive locations, traveling to private residences, or visiting confidential business environments. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that even applications with limited permissions can access this sensitive data, undermining the fundamental security model of Android's permission system.
From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachment. The vulnerability can be exploited through malicious applications that request document access permissions and then extract location metadata from files without requiring elevated privileges. Security professionals should consider this issue when conducting risk assessments for mobile environments, particularly in sectors where location privacy is critical such as healthcare, legal services, or financial institutions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in system-level components, as the flaw exists in the core document management functionality of Android.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0239 should focus on both immediate patch deployment and defensive measures. Android security updates addressing this vulnerability should be applied immediately across all affected devices, as the patch typically involves strengthening permission checks in the DocumentsContract.java component. Organizations should also implement mobile device management policies that restrict application permissions and monitor for suspicious document access patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of reviewing application permissions and avoiding installation of untrusted applications that might exploit this vulnerability. The fix typically involves implementing stricter validation of access requests before allowing metadata extraction, ensuring that location data can only be accessed by applications with explicit permission to do so, and maintaining proper separation between different types of metadata access within the Android document system.