CVE-2020-0296 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ADB server and USB server, 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-153356209
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0296 represents a critical permission bypass flaw affecting Android's Android Debug Bridge (ADB) server and USB server implementations. This security weakness stems from the improper handling of PendingIntent objects within the Android system, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The vulnerability specifically impacts Android 11 releases and is catalogued under Android ID A-153356209, highlighting its significance within the Android security framework.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the unsafe usage of PendingIntent objects within the ADB and USB server components. When these servers process incoming connections or USB interactions, they create PendingIntent objects that should ideally be properly secured to prevent unauthorized access. However, the implementation fails to adequately validate or restrict the permissions associated with these pending intents, allowing malicious actors with local user execution privileges to exploit this weakness. This flaw operates at the system level where the security boundaries between different permission domains become compromised.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for local information disclosure attacks. An attacker with local user execution privileges can leverage this permission bypass to access sensitive system data that would normally be restricted. The attack vector does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any user involvement. This characteristic aligns with the ATT&CK framework's concept of privilege escalation techniques where adversaries seek to gain higher privileges through system-level vulnerabilities. The vulnerability essentially allows for unauthorized data access that could include system configurations, user credentials, or other sensitive information stored within the Android system's memory spaces.
The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as this vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can use the initial access gained through this permission bypass to escalate their privileges further or to gather intelligence for targeted attacks. The vulnerability's location within core system services like ADB and USB servers makes it particularly dangerous as these components are fundamental to Android's operation and device management. Organizations should be particularly concerned about this vulnerability in environments where Android devices are used for sensitive operations or where physical access to devices might be compromised. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for automated attack scenarios and increases the potential attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0296 should focus on implementing proper PendingIntent security controls within the Android system. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that all PendingIntent objects are properly validated and restricted according to established security guidelines. The fix typically involves updating the Android system to versions that properly address this permission bypass vulnerability, as Google released patches for this specific issue in subsequent Android updates. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as disabling unnecessary ADB services on production devices and ensuring that USB debugging is only enabled when absolutely required. The vulnerability's classification under CWE 284 (Improper Access Control) emphasizes the need for robust access control mechanisms within system services. Regular security audits and updates should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other system components, particularly those involving inter-process communication and permission handling mechanisms.