CVE-2020-0482 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2020
In command of IncidentService.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-150706572
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0482 resides within the IncidentService.cpp component of Android 11 systems, representing a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the command processing functionality of the incident service, where improper validation of input parameters creates a pathway for memory access violations that extend beyond intended boundaries. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the Android operating system's security framework, making it particularly concerning for potential exploitation by malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow condition where the system fails to properly validate the size or range of data being processed during command execution. When the incident service receives input commands, it performs bounds checking that does not adequately account for all possible data scenarios, allowing an attacker to craft malicious input that triggers memory reads beyond allocated buffer limits. This misconfiguration creates a situation where adjacent memory regions containing sensitive system information could be accessed and potentially disclosed to unauthorized processes. The vulnerability's classification as CWE-129 indicates it falls under improper input validation, specifically related to insufficient bounds checking in array access operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as exploitation requires only system execution privileges, which can be achieved through various attack vectors including malicious applications or compromised system components. Attackers leveraging this flaw could potentially extract sensitive system data, including but not limited to memory contents, system configurations, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory locations. The local nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation does not require network connectivity or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where system integrity is paramount. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to execute commands with elevated privileges and access system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0482 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Android security updates, as the vulnerability affects the core system services that manage incident reporting and security events. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of system logs for unusual command execution patterns and memory access anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes applying the latest Android security patches, implementing strict input validation mechanisms, and conducting thorough security assessments of all system services that handle external input. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing privilege separation measures and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed audit trails for security incident response and forensic analysis purposes.