CVE-2020-0326 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In NFC, there is a possible out of bounds write due to uninitialized data. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-146453119
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0326 resides within the Near Field Communication (NFC) subsystem of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 11. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from improper handling of uninitialized data during NFC operations. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the NFC service processes certain data structures without proper initialization, creating a pathway for malicious code execution.
The technical flaw in CVE-2020-0326 operates through a memory corruption mechanism where uninitialized variables are written to memory locations beyond their allocated bounds. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-457 category of "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and can be classified as a privilege escalation vulnerability according to the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques. The flaw exists within the NFC service daemon that manages wireless communication protocols, where insufficient input validation and memory management practices allow for arbitrary data to be written beyond intended memory boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local privilege escalation from a standard user context to system-level privileges. An attacker with local access to an Android device could exploit this flaw to gain system execution privileges without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access to devices is possible. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction since it can be triggered through NFC operations that occur automatically when devices come into proximity with NFC-enabled hardware or when NFC services are actively running.
This vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Local Privilege Escalation" and specifically relates to how attackers can leverage kernel or system service vulnerabilities to elevate their privileges. The Android ID A-146453119 indicates this was tracked within Google's internal vulnerability management system, highlighting its significance in the Android security ecosystem. The out-of-bounds write condition creates opportunities for code execution that could potentially allow attackers to modify system files, install malicious applications, or establish persistent backdoors on affected devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0326 should focus on implementing proper memory initialization practices and input validation within the NFC subsystem. Android security patches typically address this by ensuring all variables are properly initialized before use and by implementing bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize applying the latest Android security updates and consider implementing additional security controls such as NFC service monitoring, device access restrictions, and regular security assessments. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and thorough code review processes, particularly for system-level services that handle external inputs and have elevated privileges.