CVE-2020-9082 in Mate 20
Summary
by MITRE • 12/27/2024
There is an information disclosure vulnerability in several smartphones. The system has a logic judging error under certain scenario, the attacker should gain the permit to execute commands in ADB mode and then do a series of operation on the phone. Successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain certain information from certain apps locked by Applock. (Vulnerability ID: HWPSIRT-2019-07112)
This vulnerability has been assigned a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) ID: CVE-2020-9082.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
This information disclosure vulnerability exists within multiple smartphone platforms and represents a critical security flaw in the application lock mechanism. The vulnerability stems from a logical error in the system's permission handling when specific conditions are met, allowing unauthorized access to protected application data. The flaw specifically affects devices where the Applock feature fails to properly enforce access controls, creating a pathway for information extraction from locked applications. Security researchers identified this weakness through careful analysis of the underlying system architecture and its interaction with Android Debug Bridge functionality. The vulnerability operates under the principle that when an attacker can establish command execution privileges through ADB mode, they can manipulate the system's logical flow to bypass normal access controls. This represents a significant deviation from expected security boundaries where application isolation should be maintained even when users have locked their applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves exploiting a race condition or improper state management within the smartphone's security framework. When ADB mode is enabled and command execution is possible, the system's validation logic fails to properly verify the security context of operations being performed. This allows attackers to leverage the existing ADB permissions to traverse access controls that should normally prevent information disclosure from locked applications. The vulnerability specifically targets the Applock functionality and demonstrates a failure in the security model's enforcement mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the security model where access control decisions are made incorrectly or inconsistently. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor within the legitimate system functionality, allowing unauthorized data extraction through legitimate system interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive user data including personal communications, financial information, and private documents stored within locked applications. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can access data that should remain protected by the application lock mechanism, effectively undermining the security controls that users rely upon for privacy protection. The exploit requires initial access through ADB mode, which typically requires physical access to the device or administrative privileges, but once achieved, the vulnerability allows for systematic data extraction from protected applications. This creates a significant risk for users who depend on application locking features for data protection, particularly in environments where devices may be lost or stolen. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it operates at the system level rather than requiring application-specific exploits, making it potentially more widespread across affected device models.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of security controls and system hardening measures. Organizations should immediately disable ADB mode on production devices unless absolutely necessary for debugging or development purposes, as this removes one of the primary attack vectors. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring for ADB usage, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enable and use these debugging features. Device manufacturers should update firmware to correct the logical error in the permission handling system and implement additional validation checks to prevent unauthorized access to locked applications. Security policies should mandate regular security assessments and monitoring for unauthorized ADB usage. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing and validation of access control mechanisms, particularly in mobile platforms where user privacy and data protection are paramount. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and credential access techniques, specifically targeting the application lock bypass capability that allows attackers to access protected data. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous ADB usage patterns and unauthorized access attempts to locked applications.