CVE-2020-0398 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2020
In updateMwi of NotificationMgr.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to a PendingIntent error. This could lead to local information disclosure with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11Android ID: A-154323381
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0398 resides within the NotificationMgr.java component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting Android 10 and Android 11 versions. This issue manifests in the updateMwi method where a PendingIntent error creates a potential permission bypass scenario. The vulnerability requires user execution privileges for exploitation but does not necessitate user interaction, making it particularly concerning for attackers who can leverage existing user sessions or applications with elevated permissions. The flaw represents a significant security weakness in Android's notification handling mechanism, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information through improperly configured PendingIntent objects that should restrict access to specific system resources or data.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of PendingIntent objects within the notification management system. When the updateMwi method processes notification updates, it fails to adequately validate or restrict the permissions associated with PendingIntent objects, creating an opportunity for malicious applications or processes to bypass expected access controls. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and specifically relates to the improper use of permissions in Android's inter-process communication mechanisms. The PendingIntent objects should enforce strict permission boundaries but instead allow for potential privilege escalation or unauthorized data access through the notification subsystem, which serves as a critical entry point for system-level operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a pathway for attackers to potentially access sensitive user data or system resources through the notification management framework. While exploitation requires user execution privileges, the low user interaction requirement means that an attacker can leverage existing user sessions or applications that already possess necessary permissions to execute malicious code or access protected information. This vulnerability affects the fundamental integrity of Android's notification system, potentially allowing unauthorized access to personal information, application data, or system configuration details that should remain protected. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where users may have elevated privileges or where the notification system interfaces with critical business applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0398 should focus on implementing proper PendingIntent validation and permission enforcement within the notification management subsystem. Android security updates typically address such issues by strengthening permission checking mechanisms and ensuring that PendingIntent objects properly enforce access controls through the Android permission model. Organizations should ensure their Android devices are updated to the latest security patches, particularly those addressing Android ID A-154323381, which specifically targets this vulnerability. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious notification-related activities and consider restricting notification access permissions for applications that do not require such capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper inter-process communication security and highlights the need for continuous security auditing of system-level components that handle user data and system resources through notification mechanisms.