CVE-2020-0387 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In manifest files of the SmartSpace package, there is a possible tapjacking vector due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege and account hijacking with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-156046804
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0387 resides within the SmartSpace package manifest files of Android systems, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized privilege escalation through a tapjacking attack vector. This vulnerability specifically targets the missing permission check mechanism within the manifest file structure, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate system components without requiring elevated privileges. The issue is particularly concerning as it operates entirely within the Android kernel environment, making it accessible to attackers who can leverage user interaction to achieve significant system compromise.
The technical flaw manifests through improper permission validation in the SmartSpace package's manifest configuration, where the system fails to verify appropriate authorization levels before executing certain operations. This missing permission check creates a pathway for attackers to exploit the tapjacking vulnerability, which typically involves tricking users into interacting with maliciously crafted interfaces that appear legitimate. The vulnerability operates at the system level within Android's kernel architecture, specifically affecting the Android ID A-156046804 and impacting all versions of Android that utilize the SmartSpace package. According to CWE-284, this represents a weakness in permissions, privileges, and access controls, where inadequate access control mechanisms fail to properly validate user authorization before granting system-level operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential account hijacking scenarios, where attackers can gain unauthorized access to user accounts and system resources. The requirement for user interaction to exploit this vulnerability does not diminish its severity, as social engineering attacks can easily trick users into performing the necessary actions to trigger the exploit. Attackers can craft deceptive interfaces that appear to be legitimate system prompts or notifications, leading users to inadvertently grant permissions or perform actions that trigger the tapjacking vector. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate credentials and system access, and T1548, which covers abuse of system permissions and privileges.
The implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe for Android environments where the SmartSpace package is utilized, as it enables attackers to operate with elevated privileges without requiring additional execution capabilities. The local escalation of privilege achieved through this vulnerability allows attackers to access sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, and potentially establish persistent access to affected devices. Organizations and users must recognize that this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring root access or additional malicious software installation, making it a particularly dangerous threat vector. The impact is amplified by the fact that the SmartSpace package is commonly integrated into Android systems, meaning that a significant number of devices could be potentially affected by this vulnerability. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper permission validation mechanisms, user interaction verification, and comprehensive security auditing of manifest files to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.