IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS7.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2020-0041|Auth: low — authenticated user|Reboot: required|Manual only

Android Kernel Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability

Android Kernel binder_transaction of binder.c contains an out-of-bounds write vulnerability due to an incorrect bounds check that could allow for local privilege escalation. This vulnerability was observed chained with CVE-2019-2215 and CVE-2020-0069 under exploit chain "AbstractEmu."

Published Mar 10, 2020 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A local attacker, with a low-privilege account, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2022-05-03 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Improper Input Validation (CWE-20) vulnerability in Android Android Kernel. In binder_transaction of binder.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-145988638References: Upstream kernel Exploitation requires local access, low attack complexity, a low-privilege authenticated account, and no user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running android: -
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2021-11-03 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2022-05-03.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2020-03-01
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0041
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-0041
PowerShell automationComing soon

No tested PowerShell script for this entry yet. We’re prioritising automation based on user demand.