CVE-2020-0490 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2020
In floor1_info_unpack of floor1.c, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-155560008
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0490 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Android graphics subsystem, specifically in the floor1_info_unpack function located in the floor1.c source file. This issue resides in the Android graphics rendering pipeline where the system processes floor1 data structures, which are typically used in graphics processing and image manipulation operations. The flaw occurs when the system attempts to unpack floor1 information without performing adequate bounds checking on the input data, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within the core graphics processing components that handle various multimedia operations across Android devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the graphics processing code. When the floor1_info_unpack function processes incoming data, it fails to verify that the data being read falls within the expected memory boundaries of the allocated buffer. This missing bounds check creates a condition where an attacker can craft malicious input data that causes the system to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-129: Improper Validation of Array Index, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices. The flaw allows for information disclosure because the out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive memory contents including cryptographic keys, user data, or system information that may be stored in adjacent memory locations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk as it enables remote information disclosure without requiring any additional execution privileges beyond what is normally available to a user. The exploitation requires only user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard user activities such as viewing malicious images or multimedia content. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted graphics data to an Android device, which when processed by the vulnerable graphics subsystem, triggers the out-of-bounds read condition. This vulnerability affects Android 11 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-155560008, indicating its presence in the Android security framework and its classification within the Android security vulnerability database.
The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information that could be leveraged for further attacks. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through graphics processing, and represents a classic example of how graphics subsystem vulnerabilities can be exploited for information gathering. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation means that attackers do not need to escalate privileges or gain code execution capabilities to exploit this vulnerability. Security researchers have identified this as a potential precursor to more serious attacks, as the information disclosure could reveal system memory contents that might contain credentials, encryption keys, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in graphics processing components, where malformed data could be used to extract information from memory.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0490 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the graphics processing pipeline and ensuring that all input data is validated before processing. Android security updates typically address such vulnerabilities by patching the affected code components and implementing additional input validation routines. Organizations should ensure that all Android devices are updated to the latest security patches, which include fixes for this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of graphics processing components and the importance of following secure coding practices that include proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should monitor for security advisories related to Android graphics processing vulnerabilities and apply patches promptly to protect against exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves adding proper bounds checking before memory access operations and ensuring that all array indices are validated against the allocated buffer size, which directly addresses the CWE-129 weakness that underlies this vulnerability.