CVE-2020-8913: android play_core_library Improper Preservation of Permissions

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2020-8913 is a high (CVSS 8.8) Improper Preservation of Permissions vulnerability in android play_core_library. EPSS estimates a 2.88% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 86.6% of scored vulnerabilities. 1 public exploit is recorded.

Timeline

1. 12-08-2020
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 04-08-2024
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

A local, arbitrary code execution vulnerability exists in the SplitCompat.install endpoint in Android's Play Core Library versions prior to 1.7.2. A malicious attacker could create an apk which targets a specific application, and if a victim were to install this apk, the attacker could perform a directory traversal, execute code as the targeted application and access the targeted application's data on the Android device. We recommend all users update Play Core to version 1.7.2 or later.

• CWE-281Improper Preservation of PermissionsThe product does not preserve permissions or incorrectly preserves permissions when copying, restoring, or sharing objects, which can cause them to have less restrictive permissions than intended.
• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.