CVE-2020-0413
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to read memory beyond intended boundaries in Android's Bluetooth stack, potentially exposing sensitive information. It affects Android devices running versions 8.0 through 11 without requiring user interaction or additional privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote attacker could read sensitive memory contents from Bluetooth server, potentially exposing encryption keys, authentication tokens, or other protected data.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of Bluetooth-related data, potentially including device identifiers, connection states, or limited memory contents.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched; limited impact if Bluetooth is disabled or device is not discoverable.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires Bluetooth proximity and knowledge of Bluetooth protocol, but no authentication or user interaction.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Bulletin October 2020 patches
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2020-10-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update. 2. Install available security updates. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
allTurn off Bluetooth to prevent exploitation
adb shell settings put global bluetooth_on 0
Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth > Turn off
Disable Bluetooth discovery
allMake device non-discoverable to reduce attack surface
adb shell am start -a android.bluetooth.adapter.action.REQUEST_DISCOVERABLE --ei android.bluetooth.adapter.extra.DISCOVERABLE_DURATION 0
Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth > Device name > Turn off 'Make device discoverable'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth when not in use
- Limit Bluetooth usage to trusted devices only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version in Settings > About phone > Android version. If version is 8.0-11 and security patch level is before October 2020, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release && adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level is October 2020 or later in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth connection attempts
- Multiple failed GATT protocol requests
- Bluetooth stack errors or crashes
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) traffic patterns
- Unusual GATT characteristic read attempts
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND ("gatt_process_read_by_type_rsp" OR "bluetooth stack error" OR "CVE-2020-0413")