CVE-2020-0289 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In PackageManager, there is a missing permission check. This could lead to local information disclosure across users with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-153996872
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0289 resides within the PackageManager component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 11 and earlier versions. This flaw represents a critical permission bypass issue that allows unauthorized access to sensitive information across different user profiles on the same device. The vulnerability stems from a missing permission check within the PackageManager service, which is responsible for managing application installations, updates, and removals on Android devices. This missing validation creates an exploitable condition where malicious applications or processes can access package information belonging to other users without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the PackageManager service failing to properly validate whether requesting processes have adequate permissions to access specific package metadata. When applications attempt to query package information through the PackageManager API, the system should verify that the requesting user has appropriate authorization to access the target package data. However, due to the missing permission check, this validation is bypassed, allowing any process running on the device to potentially retrieve package details from other user profiles. This flaw operates at the system level and leverages Android's multi-user architecture where different user profiles can exist on the same device with isolated data environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0289 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security boundaries established by Android's multi-user framework. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gather sensitive information including installed applications, their permissions, and potentially other metadata that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects all applications running on the device regardless of their user context, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different individuals share the same device. This could include scenarios such as shared family devices, corporate devices with multiple user profiles, or devices used in public access environments where user isolation is critical for security.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw represents a classic case of inadequate privilege checking where the system fails to enforce proper access controls between different user contexts. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that no additional execution privileges are required for exploitation, meaning that even applications with minimal permissions can leverage this vulnerability. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also relates to the broader category of information disclosure attacks that can be used as a reconnaissance step in more complex attack chains, potentially enabling attackers to gather intelligence about installed applications and system configuration.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2020-0289 include applying the latest security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers, which typically involve implementing proper permission validation within the PackageManager service. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, regular security assessments of installed applications, and monitoring for unusual package query activities. Device administrators should ensure that multi-user environments are properly configured with appropriate access controls and that users are educated about the risks of installing untrusted applications. Additionally, system administrators should regularly review and audit application permissions to minimize the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in environments where multiple users share the same device.