CVE-2020-0388 : Security Advisory and Response

Android devices are affected by a vulnerability allowing a permission bypass, potentially leading to privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2020-0388

This CVE identifies a security issue in Android devices that could enable a local attacker to escalate privileges without requiring user interaction.

What is CVE-2020-0388?

The vulnerability involves the createEmergencyLocationUserNotification function in GnssVisibilityControl.java, where an empty mutable PendingIntent can be exploited to bypass permissions.

The Impact of CVE-2020-0388

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to locally escalate privileges on an Android device without the need for user involvement, posing a risk of unauthorized access and control.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-0388

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a flaw in the createEmergencyLocationUserNotification function, which fails to properly handle a mutable PendingIntent, enabling a permissions bypass.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Android
Affected Versions: Android-11, Android-10

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local attacker without requiring any user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-0388 requires immediate actions as well as long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches from the official Android Security Bulletin.
Monitor for any unauthorized system behavior or privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep devices up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit potential impact in case of exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from the vendor and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of this vulnerability.