CVE-2020-0447 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/10/2020
There is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check.Product: AndroidVersions: Android SoCAndroid ID: A-168251617
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0447 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw affecting Android-based systems, specifically targeting Android SoC implementations. This issue stems from a fundamental missing bounds check within the system's memory management operations, creating a potential avenue for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability manifests in the form of an out-of-bounds write condition that could be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The Android ID A-168251617 specifically identifies this issue within the Android security framework, highlighting its impact on the underlying system architecture. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when software fails to validate input data against predefined boundaries before performing memory operations, allowing data to be written beyond allocated memory regions.
The technical nature of this flaw places it squarely within the CWE-787 category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems. The vulnerability operates at a low level within the Android operating system's memory management subsystem, potentially affecting critical system components that handle data processing and memory allocation. When the missing bounds check occurs, it allows attackers to write data beyond the intended memory boundaries, which can lead to memory corruption and potentially arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in mobile environments where system resources are limited and memory management is critical for overall system stability and security.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0447 extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates potential pathways for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within the Android environment, potentially accessing sensitive user data or system resources. The vulnerability affects Android SoC implementations, meaning that devices utilizing these specific system-on-chip architectures are at risk, regardless of the Android version running on the device. This cross-version impact makes the vulnerability particularly concerning as it may affect devices that have received security updates but still operate on vulnerable SoC implementations. The out-of-bounds write condition could also be leveraged to corrupt system memory structures, potentially leading to denial-of-service conditions or complete system crashes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the Android system's memory management components. Security patches typically address the missing validation checks by adding proper boundary verification before memory operations occur. Organizations should prioritize applying the latest security updates from device manufacturers and Google, as these patches specifically target the missing bounds check that enables the out-of-bounds write condition. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the implementation of memory safety features such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and heap metadata protection can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability class. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1068 technique for privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures to prevent exploitation.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of memory safety in embedded systems and mobile platforms, where the combination of limited resources and complex software stacks creates unique security challenges. Android's security model relies heavily on proper bounds checking and memory validation to prevent exploitation of low-level vulnerabilities, making this particular flaw particularly significant in the context of mobile device security. The impact extends beyond individual devices to potentially affect entire device ecosystems, especially when vulnerable SoC implementations are widely deployed across multiple device models and manufacturers. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify systems running affected Android SoC implementations and ensure timely patch deployment to prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific out-of-bounds write condition.