CVE-2020-0427 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In create_pinctrl of core.c, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a use after free. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-140550171
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0427 resides within the Android kernel's pin control subsystem, specifically in the create_pinctrl function located in core.c. This flaw represents a classic use-after-free condition that occurs when memory previously allocated to a data structure is accessed after it has been freed, creating a scenario where the system may attempt to read from memory that has already been deallocated. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it exists within kernel-level code responsible for managing hardware pin configurations, which forms a critical component of the Android operating system's hardware abstraction layer. The use-after-free condition in this context could potentially allow an attacker to read memory contents that should no longer be accessible, leading to information disclosure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how improper memory management can create persistent security risks within embedded systems. When the create_pinctrl function processes pin control requests, it fails to properly validate memory references after deallocation, allowing for out-of-bounds read operations. This memory corruption pattern aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free vulnerabilities where program memory is accessed after it has been freed. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no additional privileges beyond normal user access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by malicious applications or processes running with standard Android permissions. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation means that an attacker could potentially trigger this condition through normal application usage, without requiring physical access or special attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0427 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in kernel memory management that could potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve more severe outcomes. Local information disclosure through this vulnerability could expose sensitive kernel memory contents including cryptographic keys, system configuration data, or other confidential information that should remain protected. The vulnerability affects Android kernel versions and is tracked under Android ID A-140550171, indicating it was specifically identified and addressed within the Android security framework. This type of vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework's T1068 technique for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it represents a method by which local attackers can gain access to sensitive information that could then be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in the core.c file suggests it impacts the fundamental pin control infrastructure that many Android system components rely upon for hardware management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0427 primarily focus on addressing the underlying memory management issue through kernel updates and patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. System administrators and security professionals should ensure that all Android devices receive the appropriate security patches that address this use-after-free condition in the pin control subsystem. The fix typically involves implementing proper memory validation checks before accessing freed memory regions and ensuring that references are properly invalidated after deallocation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and ensure that Android devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches. This vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices in kernel code and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system-level components. Device manufacturers should prioritize timely patch deployment and conduct thorough security reviews of kernel modifications to prevent similar issues from emerging in future releases. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure threat means that protection should be implemented at multiple levels including application sandboxing, kernel hardening, and regular security auditing of system components to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive kernel memory regions.