CVE-2020-0367 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2020
There is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check.Product: AndroidVersions: Android SoCAndroid ID: A-162980455
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0367 represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition affecting Android-based systems, specifically targeting Android SoC implementations. This flaw manifests within the kernel-level memory management subsystem where insufficient bounds checking permits unauthorized memory access patterns that can result in arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental failure in input validation mechanisms that should prevent memory operations from exceeding allocated buffer boundaries. According to the Android ID A-162980455, this issue affects the underlying hardware abstraction layer where memory allocation routines lack proper boundary verification, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted inputs that trigger the out-of-bounds write condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption at the kernel level where buffer overflow conditions can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of flaw falls under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The vulnerability occurs when the system processes memory allocation requests without verifying that the requested operations remain within predefined buffer limits, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute malicious payloads. The exploitation typically requires knowledge of the target system's memory layout and can be amplified through privilege escalation techniques that leverage the kernel-level nature of the vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0367 extends beyond simple system crashes, as it can enable full system compromise and persistent access to affected devices. Mobile devices running vulnerable Android versions become susceptible to remote exploitation through various attack vectors including malicious applications, compromised network communications, or physical access scenarios. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by its potential for privilege escalation, as kernel-level memory corruption can provide attackers with root-level access to system resources. Organizations deploying affected Android devices face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized surveillance, and complete device compromise, particularly in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0367 must address both immediate patching requirements and long-term security architecture improvements. The primary solution involves applying the latest Android security patches released by Google, which include enhanced bounds checking mechanisms and memory validation routines. System administrators should implement comprehensive device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and monitor for unauthorized modifications to system components. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit attack surface, implementation of mobile device management solutions that can detect and remediate vulnerable configurations, and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to further reduce the effectiveness of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust memory safety practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for continuous security testing throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from emerging in future implementations.