CVE-2020-0466
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Android kernel's eventpoll subsystem that allows local privilege escalation. An attacker with local access can exploit this logic error to gain root privileges without user interaction. This affects Android devices running vulnerable kernel versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with root access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and bypassing all security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation to root, enabling further system exploitation and persistence mechanisms.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if SELinux/AppArmor policies restrict kernel access, but still significant risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access but no user interaction. Kernel exploitation requires specific timing and memory manipulation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android security patch level December 2020 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2020-12-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Apply December 2020 Android security patch. 2. Update device firmware through manufacturer channels. 3. Reboot device after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit physical and remote local access to vulnerable devices
Enhanced SELinux policies
linuxImplement strict SELinux policies to limit kernel access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from critical networks and data
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent malicious apps from gaining local access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level: Settings > About phone > Android security patch level. If before December 2020, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android security patch level shows December 2020 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- SELinux/AppArmor denials for epoll operations
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local exploit
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'kernel panic' OR 'use after free' OR 'epoll' in system logs with privilege escalation patterns