CVE-2020-0432 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In skb_to_mamac of networking.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-143560807
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0432 resides within the Android kernel networking subsystem, specifically in the skb_to_mamac function located in networking.c. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could enable local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition that occurs during memory management operations within the kernel's networking stack, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the core level of system functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow within the skb_to_mamac function which processes socket buffer management operations. When handling network packets, the function performs arithmetic operations on integer values that can exceed their maximum representable range, leading to unexpected behavior in memory allocation and manipulation. This overflow condition creates a scenario where subsequent memory operations write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions. The flaw is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow, which is a well-documented vulnerability pattern that frequently leads to memory corruption and privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation path follows the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the kernel-level execution environment where such flaws can be leveraged for unauthorized system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0432 extends beyond simple memory corruption as it provides a pathway for local attackers to elevate their privileges within the Android operating system. Since the vulnerability exists within the kernel networking code, any process running with standard user privileges could potentially exploit this flaw to gain root access to the system. The lack of requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention. The affected Android kernel versions including those with the Android ID A-143560807 represent a significant attack surface where this vulnerability could be weaponized by malicious actors to establish persistent system control. The integer overflow condition directly affects memory management operations that are fundamental to network packet processing, making this flaw particularly impactful in environments where network activity is frequent or continuous.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0432 should focus on immediate kernel updates and patches provided by Android security teams, as these address the root cause through proper integer overflow handling and bounds checking. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches to all affected Android devices, particularly those running kernel versions that include the vulnerable networking.c implementation. Additional defensive measures include implementing kernel memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that traditional network-based security measures may not be sufficient, requiring more comprehensive system hardening approaches that include kernel-level security controls and regular security audits of kernel components. Organizations should also consider implementing process isolation and privilege separation mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.