CVE-2020-0486 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2020
In openAssetFileListener of ContactsProvider2.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to an insecure default value. This could lead to local escalation of privilege to change contact data with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-150857116
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0486 resides within the ContactsProvider2.java component of Android systems, specifically within the openAssetFileListener method. This flaw represents a critical permission bypass issue that exploits an insecure default value configuration, allowing malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to contact data modification capabilities. The vulnerability affects Android 11 systems and is catalogued under Android ID A-150857116, demonstrating the severity of the permission escalation threat it presents to mobile device security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper default security settings within the contact provider's asset file handling mechanism. When the openAssetFileListener method processes asset file operations, it fails to properly validate or enforce access controls, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation. The insecure default value allows any local process to potentially modify contact information without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction, fundamentally undermining the Android security model's principle of least privilege. This flaw operates at the system level where contact data management is concerned, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal permission checks that should protect sensitive user information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local escalation of privilege attacks that can result in comprehensive contact data manipulation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to modify, delete, or add contact entries without requiring elevated permissions, potentially leading to data corruption, privacy violations, or even social engineering attacks that exploit compromised contact information. The lack of user interaction requirement means that exploitation can occur automatically without any direct user engagement, making it particularly stealthy and dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. This vulnerability essentially allows any malicious application or process running with basic user privileges to gain access to contact modification capabilities that should be restricted to system-level or privileged applications.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient privilege checking where default configurations fail to provide adequate security boundaries. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader mobile security posture assessment, particularly in environments where Android devices handle sensitive information or where privilege escalation could lead to broader system compromise. Mitigation strategies should include immediate system updates, implementation of additional access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized contact data modifications.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper default security configurations in mobile operating systems. The insecure default value approach highlights how seemingly minor configuration decisions can have significant security implications, particularly when dealing with sensitive data access points. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive security testing of default configurations and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across mobile device fleets. Regular security assessments should include evaluation of default security settings and their potential for exploitation, particularly in system components that handle user-sensitive data such as contact information.