CVE-2020-0378 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2020
In onWnmFrameReceived of PasspointManager.java, there is a missing permission check. This could lead to local information disclosure of location data with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-9 Android-10 Android-11Android ID: A-157748906
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0378 resides within the PasspointManager.java component of Android operating systems spanning versions 9, 10, and 11. This flaw manifests in the onWnmFrameReceived method where a critical permission check is absent, creating a security gap that allows unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability specifically impacts location data, making it a significant concern for user privacy and system security. The affected Android versions represent a substantial portion of the mobile device ecosystem, amplifying the potential impact of this vulnerability.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the wireless network management frame handling mechanism that processes Passpoint related wireless network management frames. When a WNM frame is received, the system should verify appropriate permissions before processing location-related information contained within these frames. However, the missing permission check means that any user with execution privileges on the device can potentially access location data that should be restricted to authorized processes. This represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in access control mechanisms within the Android security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as location data represents highly sensitive personal information that can reveal user habits, routines, and physical whereabouts. An attacker with local execution privileges could exploit this vulnerability to gather location data without requiring user interaction, making the attack vector particularly concerning for mobile device security. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-284 indicates a permissions and access control weakness, specifically related to insufficient privileges for accessing sensitive information. This weakness allows for unauthorized access to location data that should be protected by proper permission boundaries.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1074.001 for data staging, as an attacker could leverage this weakness to collect location information for further exploitation. The attack requires only local execution privileges, making it accessible to malicious applications or processes running on the device. The absence of user interaction requirements means the vulnerability can be exploited automatically, potentially leading to continuous monitoring of user locations. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in scenarios where malicious applications might be installed on devices through various attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0378 should focus on implementing proper permission checks within the PasspointManager.java component. Android security patches should enforce strict access controls for location data processing, ensuring that only authorized processes can access WNM frame information containing location details. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying security updates immediately, as this vulnerability represents a direct threat to user privacy and device security. The fix should implement proper permission verification before any location data processing occurs, ensuring that appropriate security boundaries are maintained for sensitive user information. Additionally, comprehensive security reviews should be conducted on similar components to identify and remediate other potential permission bypass vulnerabilities within the Android framework.