How severe is CVE-2020-0438?

CVE-2020-0438 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-0438 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (6th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-0438?

CVE-2020-0438 primarily affects Google Android. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-0438?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2020-0438 published?

CVE-2020-0438 was published on 2020-11-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-0438

CVE-2020-0438 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-824.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (6th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-824
Affected product: Google Android
Published: 2020-11-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In the AIBinder_Class constructor of ibinder.cpp, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to uninitialized data. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a process were using libbinder_ndk in a vulnerable way with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-10Android ID: A-161812320

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-0438?: In the AIBinder_Class constructor of ibinder.cpp, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to uninitialized data. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a process were using libbinder_ndk in a vulnerable way with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-10Android ID: A-161812320
How severe is CVE-2020-0438?: CVE-2020-0438 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-0438 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (6th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-0438?: CVE-2020-0438 primarily affects Google Android. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-0438?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2020-0438 published?: CVE-2020-0438 was published on 2020-11-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2020-11-01

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:o:google:android:10.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:11.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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