CVE-2020-0417 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2021
In setNiNotification of GpsNetInitiatedHandler.java, there is a possible permissions bypass due to an empty mutable PendingIntent. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-8.1 Android-9Android ID: A-154319182
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0417 resides within the GPS network initiated handler component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions 8.1, 9, and 10. This flaw manifests in the setNiNotification method of the GpsNetInitiatedHandler.java file where an improper PendingIntent construction creates a permissions bypass opportunity. The issue stems from the creation of a mutable PendingIntent that lacks proper security controls, allowing malicious applications to potentially escalate their privileges from user-level execution to system-level access. The vulnerability represents a significant security concern as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same user context.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms within software systems. The flaw occurs when the system creates a PendingIntent object with mutable flags that should typically be immutable, allowing attackers to modify the intent's behavior. This mutable PendingIntent can be manipulated by malicious applications to redirect or alter the notification handling process, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the Android location services framework where network initiated notifications are processed, creating an attack surface that leverages the trust relationship between system components and user applications.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious threat to Android device security as it allows attackers with user-level privileges to gain system-level access without requiring additional user interaction or elevated permissions. The exploitation process involves creating a malicious application that can manipulate the PendingIntent object to redirect system notifications or execute unauthorized code within the context of the location services framework. This type of local privilege escalation can lead to complete device compromise, data theft, and potential lateral movement within networked environments where Android devices are deployed. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects multiple Android versions, creating a broad attack surface across various device deployments in enterprise and consumer environments.
Security mitigations for CVE-2020-0417 should focus on implementing proper PendingIntent construction practices that enforce immutable flags for system-level operations. The recommended approach involves modifying the Android framework code to ensure that all system-level PendingIntents are created with immutable flags, preventing unauthorized modification of the intent's behavior. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation within the GPS network initiated handler component can prevent malicious applications from exploiting this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider applying security patches promptly when available, as this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through improper access control. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious application behavior related to location services and implement application whitelisting policies to limit potential exploitation of this vulnerability across their device fleets.