CVE-2020-0291 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Bluetooth, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges and a compromised Firmware needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-146032016
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0291 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Bluetooth subsystem of Android 11 operating systems. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check in the Bluetooth protocol implementation, creating a scenario where malicious actors can potentially exploit uninitialized memory access patterns. The vulnerability resides in the core Bluetooth stack where data structures are processed without proper validation of array indices or buffer limits, leading to unpredictable memory access behaviors that can be leveraged for information disclosure.
The technical nature of this flaw places it squarely within CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in array access operations. When Bluetooth services process incoming data packets or handle device connections, the absence of proper input validation allows attackers to craft specially crafted Bluetooth packets that trigger the out-of-bounds memory read. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation typically requires execution of malicious code that can manipulate Bluetooth protocols to achieve the desired memory access patterns. The vulnerability requires system-level execution privileges to exploit effectively, meaning that successful exploitation would necessitate either physical access to the device or prior compromise of other system components.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0291 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential pathway for more severe security breaches within the Android ecosystem. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially extract sensitive firmware information, device identifiers, or other confidential data stored in memory regions that are normally protected. The requirement for firmware compromise indicates that the attack vector likely involves manipulation of the Bluetooth firmware itself, which could enable more sophisticated attacks such as persistent backdoor establishment or complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects all Android 11 devices that implement Bluetooth functionality, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of this operating system version across various mobile platforms and IoT devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, as Google released emergency fixes for this issue in their regular security bulletins. Organizations should implement Bluetooth access controls and device monitoring to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary Bluetooth services on managed devices and implementing strict access controls for Bluetooth pairing operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure firmware update mechanisms, as the exploitation requires firmware-level compromise, suggesting that robust firmware integrity checking and secure boot processes are essential. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for Bluetooth-related network traffic can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments of Bluetooth implementations should be conducted to identify similar bounds checking vulnerabilities in other system components.