CVE-2020-0391 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Android has a vulnerability in applyPolicy of PackageManagerService.java that could allow arbitrary command execution, leading to local privilege escalation without additional execution privileges needed.

Understanding CVE-2020-0391

This CVE identifies an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Android affecting versions Android-9, Android-10, and Android-11.

What is CVE-2020-0391?

CVE-2020-0391 is a vulnerability in the PackageManagerService.java file in Android that allows for arbitrary command execution without requiring additional privileges, potentially resulting in local privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2020-0391

The vulnerability could be exploited to escalate privileges locally without the need for user interaction, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-0391

The technical details of the CVE highlight the following:

Vulnerability Description

In applyPolicy of PackageManagerService.java, the unenforced protected broadcast can lead to arbitrary command execution as System, allowing for local privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Android
Versions Affected: Android-9, Android-10, Android-11

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper enforcement of protected broadcasts, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands as System without additional execution privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-0391, follow these mitigation practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor official Android security updates for patches.
Apply security patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Periodically review security bulletins and updates from Android.
Implement strict access controls and permissions to prevent unauthorized system access.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update Android devices with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities.