CVE-2020-0294 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In the wallpaper manager, 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-154915372
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0294 resides within Android's wallpaper manager component and represents a significant permission bypass flaw that could enable unauthorized access to sensitive user data. This issue specifically affects Android 11 and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous system components can harbor critical security weaknesses. The vulnerability stems from an unsafe PendingIntent implementation that fails to properly validate permissions before executing potentially sensitive operations. According to the Android security bulletin, this flaw allows an attacker with user-level execution privileges to bypass intended access controls and potentially access confidential information stored within the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates without requiring any user interaction, making it an automated threat that can be exploited silently in the background.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in how the wallpaper manager component handles PendingIntent objects, which are used to schedule operations that occur at a later time. When the wallpaper manager creates a PendingIntent without proper permission checks or security boundaries, it creates an opportunity for malicious applications to manipulate the intended execution flow. This unsafe PendingIntent construction allows for potential privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks where unauthorized code can access data that should normally be restricted to system-level processes or specific applications. The flaw aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a classic example of how improper permission handling in Android components can create security loopholes. The vulnerability specifically targets the Android framework's permission model and demonstrates how system-level components can be compromised through improper PendingIntent usage patterns.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local information disclosure attacks that could potentially expose sensitive user data including personal files, application data, or system configuration information. The requirement for user execution privileges means that an attacker would need to first gain access to a user account or have a malicious application already installed on the device, but once achieved, the vulnerability provides a pathway for further exploitation. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without the user's knowledge or consent. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to extract device identifiers, user preferences, or other sensitive metadata that could be used for further attacks or identity theft. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters, as the unsafe PendingIntent could be manipulated to execute unauthorized code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0294 should focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures within the Android environment. Google released security updates for affected Android versions that address this specific vulnerability through proper PendingIntent validation and enhanced permission checking mechanisms. Organizations should ensure all Android devices are updated to the latest security patches, particularly those released in the April 2020 security bulletin. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for unusual wallpaper manager activity or unauthorized PendingIntent creation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security boundaries in Android components and reinforces the need for comprehensive permission validation throughout the system framework. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation of similar permission bypass vulnerabilities.