CVE-2020-0417 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Android devices are susceptible to a permissions bypass vulnerability that could lead to elevation of privilege without user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2020-0417

This CVE involves a potential permissions bypass in Android devices that could result in a local escalation of privilege.

What is CVE-2020-0417?

The vulnerability occurs in the setNiNotification function of GpsNetInitiatedHandler.java in Android, allowing an attacker to exploit an empty mutable PendingIntent, gaining elevated privileges without requiring user intervention.

The Impact of CVE-2020-0417

The exploit could result in an elevation of privilege on affected Android devices, granting unauthorized access to perform malicious actions without user consent.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-0417

This section provides insight into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the mishandling of a mutable PendingIntent, enabling an attacker to bypass permissions and escalate privileges locally.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Android
Affected Versions: Android-10, Android-8.1, Android-9

Exploitation Mechanism

The issue arises from the lack of proper handling of PendingIntent, allowing malicious actors to execute privileged operations without the necessary user permissions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-0417 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Android devices to the latest available security patches.
Regularly monitor for security bulletins and advisories from trusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement least privilege access controls to restrict unauthorized actions.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about the importance of keeping devices updated.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected Android devices are promptly patched with the latest security updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.