CVE-2020-0368 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2020
In queryInternal of CallLogProvider.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to improper input validation. This could lead to local information disclosure of voicemail metadata with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-143230980
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0368 resides within the Android operating system's CallLogProvider.java component, specifically in the queryInternal method where insufficient input validation creates a potential permission bypass scenario. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows unauthorized access to voicemail metadata through improper validation of user inputs. The vulnerability affects Android 11 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-143230980, demonstrating the severity of the issue within the mobile platform ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of input parameters within the CallLogProvider's queryInternal method, which processes database queries related to call logs and voicemail information. When malicious or malformed input is processed, the system fails to properly validate the request parameters, potentially allowing an attacker with user-level execution privileges to bypass intended access controls. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for information disclosure where voicemail metadata can be accessed without proper authorization, violating fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control enforcement. The flaw operates at the application level within the Android framework, specifically targeting the telephony content provider that manages call log and voicemail data.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local information disclosure of voicemail metadata, which can include caller information, timestamps, duration, and other identifying details associated with voicemail messages. The requirement for user execution privileges means that exploitation typically occurs through a compromised application or malicious software already running on the device, making it particularly concerning for mobile environments where users frequently install third-party applications. The lack of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically without user awareness or consent. This type of information disclosure can lead to privacy violations, social engineering attacks, and potential identity theft scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0368 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Android security updates, as this vulnerability affects core system components that require system-level fixes. Organizations should implement application whitelisting and monitoring for suspicious content provider access patterns, particularly focusing on CallLogProvider interactions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of installed applications that may interact with telephony content providers and implement network monitoring to detect unusual data access patterns. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of installing security updates promptly and avoiding untrusted applications that may exploit such permission bypass vulnerabilities.