CVE-2020-0263 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the Accessibility service, there is a possible permission bypass due to an unsafe PendingIntent. This could lead to local information disclosure with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-154913130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0263 resides within Android's Accessibility service component, representing a critical permission bypass flaw that undermines the operating system's security model. This issue stems from an unsafe PendingIntent implementation that allows unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability affects Android 11 and is tracked under Android ID A-154913130, demonstrating the complexity of modern mobile security architectures where seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant exploitation vectors. The flaw specifically targets the accessibility service's handling of PendingIntent objects, which are fundamental components used for inter-process communication and intent-based operations within the Android framework.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the Accessibility service processes PendingIntent objects without proper validation of the calling context or permission levels. This unsafe handling creates a scenario where malicious applications can manipulate PendingIntent references to gain access to restricted system resources or information. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level of Android's permission system, where the accessibility service should enforce strict boundaries between different application contexts. According to CWE-264, this represents a permissions, privileges, and access control weakness, specifically manifesting as improper access control within system services. The flaw allows for information disclosure through unauthorized access to user data that should remain protected by the Android permission model.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local information disclosure when exploited by a malicious application running with user execution privileges. The exploitation does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically without any user awareness or consent. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive user data, personal information, or system resources that should be restricted to authorized applications or system components. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector within the Android ecosystem where a single compromised application can potentially access data from other applications or system services that it should not be able to reach. This represents a significant breach in Android's security architecture, particularly concerning the accessibility service which is designed to provide assistive functionality for users with disabilities but should not be able to bypass normal security boundaries.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0263 should focus on implementing proper PendingIntent validation mechanisms within the accessibility service. System administrators and security teams should ensure that all Android devices are updated to the latest security patches provided by Google, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent Android security releases. The fix typically involves strengthening the permission checking logic within the Accessibility service to properly validate the context and origin of PendingIntent objects before processing them. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies for accessibility services and monitoring for unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, as it allows attackers to bypass normal system restrictions and maintain access to sensitive information. The vulnerability also relates to defense evasion techniques, as it operates below the radar of typical user awareness mechanisms, making detection more challenging for traditional security monitoring solutions.