CVE-2020-0314 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In AudioService, there are missing permission checks. This could lead to local information disclosure of audio configuration with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-154934920
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0314 resides within the AudioService component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 11 releases. This issue represents a critical permission bypass flaw that allows unauthorized access to sensitive audio configuration data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate permission validation mechanisms within the audio service framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to extract confidential information without requiring any special privileges or user interaction. The absence of proper access controls in the AudioService component means that any application running on the device can potentially query and retrieve audio configuration details that should be restricted to system-level processes or authorized applications. This represents a significant security gap in Android's permission model, where the service fails to properly validate the identity and privileges of requesting entities before exposing audio-related system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the AudioService failing to enforce mandatory access controls when processing requests for audio configuration data. When applications attempt to access audio service functionality, the system should validate whether the requesting process has appropriate permissions to access such sensitive information. However, in this case, the permission checking mechanism is either completely absent or insufficiently implemented, allowing any process to obtain audio configuration details. The flaw specifically affects the audio service's ability to properly authenticate and authorize access requests, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by malicious applications. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in system security design. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it operates without requiring any user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically by malicious applications.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple information disclosure, as audio configuration data can reveal significant insights about the device's hardware capabilities, software versions, and system configuration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gather detailed information about supported audio codecs, sample rates, bit depths, and other technical specifications that might be valuable for crafting more sophisticated attacks. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that even basic applications with standard permissions could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to audio system information. This creates a vector for reconnaissance activities where attackers can systematically gather information about target devices to plan more targeted attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security architecture practices within Android's system services, where critical system components fail to properly implement access control measures that should be fundamental to secure system design.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0314 should focus on implementing robust permission validation mechanisms within the AudioService component. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that all audio service requests undergo proper authentication and authorization checks before any audio configuration data is returned. The fix should involve strengthening the permission model to ensure that only authorized system processes or applications with appropriate privileges can access audio configuration details. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access control checks within the audio service framework will prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information. Organizations should also consider applying security patches and updates as soon as they become available from Google and device manufacturers, as these updates typically contain the necessary fixes to address the permission bypass vulnerability. The remediation approach should align with security best practices outlined in the ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting the privilege escalation and credential access phases where such vulnerabilities could be leveraged by attackers. Regular security audits of system services and proper implementation of the principle of least privilege should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the Android operating system.