CVE-2020-0261 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In C2 flame devices, there is a possible bypass of seccomp due to a missing configuration file. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-146059841
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0261 affects Android kernel implementations on C2 flame devices, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the kernel's security framework. This issue stems from an incomplete seccomp configuration that creates an exploitable gap in the system's privilege control mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the Android kernel's security model, which is designed to restrict system calls and prevent unauthorized access to critical system resources. Seccomp, or secure computing mode, serves as a crucial defense mechanism that limits the system calls available to processes, thereby reducing the attack surface and preventing malicious code from executing potentially harmful operations.
The technical flaw manifests through a missing configuration file that should have been part of the seccomp profile implementation. This omission allows processes to bypass the intended security restrictions that would normally prevent them from accessing certain kernel functions. When a configuration file is absent or improperly configured, the seccomp filter fails to enforce the complete set of restrictions that would normally limit what system calls a process can make. This creates a scenario where an attacker can escalate privileges without requiring additional execution privileges, essentially allowing any process to gain elevated access to system resources that should be restricted. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious applications or processes that are already running on the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction or additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices where applications may have varying levels of access. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain root access to the device, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access. The vulnerability affects Android kernel implementations specifically on C2 flame devices, which represents a significant portion of Android devices that rely on this particular kernel configuration. The lack of user interaction requirement means that exploitation can occur automatically, without any need for social engineering or user deception, making it a particularly concerning threat vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0261 involve ensuring proper seccomp configuration file implementation and regular kernel updates from Android security teams. Organizations should implement immediate patches that restore the missing configuration file and properly enforce seccomp restrictions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses in the implementation of security features, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities. Device manufacturers and security teams must prioritize updating affected Android kernel versions and conducting thorough security audits to identify any other missing configuration files or incomplete security implementations that could create similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing continuous monitoring for kernel security configurations and maintaining up-to-date security profiles will help prevent similar issues from occurring in future implementations.