How severe is CVE-2020-27059?

CVE-2020-27059 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-27059 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (11th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-27059?

CVE-2020-27059 primarily affects Google Android. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-27059?

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-2020-27059 published?

CVE-2020-27059 was published on 2021-01-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-27059

CVE-2020-27059 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-1021.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.4
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (11th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-1021
Affected product: Google Android
Published: 2021-01-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In onAuthenticated of AuthenticationClient.java, there is a possible tapjacking attack when requesting the user's fingerprint due to an overlaid window. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: Android; Versions: Android-8.0, Android-8.1, Android-9, Android-10, 11; Android ID: A-159249069.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-27059?: In onAuthenticated of AuthenticationClient.java, there is a possible tapjacking attack when requesting the user's fingerprint due to an overlaid window. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: Android; Versions: Android-8.0, Android-8.1, Android-9, Android-10, 11; Android ID: A-159249069.
How severe is CVE-2020-27059?: CVE-2020-27059 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-27059 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (11th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-27059?: CVE-2020-27059 primarily affects Google Android. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-27059?: 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-2020-27059 published?: CVE-2020-27059 was published on 2021-01-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2021-01-01

Affected products (5)

cpe:2.3:o:google:android:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:8.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:10.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:11.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Google Android

CVE-2026-0092 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): In Package Manager, there is a possible device lock controller bypass due to a missing permission check. This could…
CVE-2025-48611 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): In DeviceId of DeviceId.java, there is a possible desync in persistence due to a missing bounds check. This could lead…
CVE-2015-8073 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): mediaserver in Android 4.4 and 5.1 before 5.1.1 LMY48X allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a…
CVE-2015-8072 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): mediaserver in Android 4.4 through 5.x before 5.1.1 LMY48X and 6.0 before 2015-11-01 allows remote attackers to execute…
CVE-2015-6610 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): libstagefright in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48X and 6.0 before 2015-11-01 allows attackers to gain privileges or cause a…
CVE-2015-6609 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): libutils in Android before 5.1.1 LMY48X and 6.0 before 2015-11-01 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or…

All CVEs affecting Google Android →

Other CWE-1021 vulnerabilities

CVE-2021-43048 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): The Interior Server and Gateway Server components of TIBCO Software Inc.'s TIBCO PartnerExpress contain a vulnerability…
CVE-2021-23274 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): The Config UI component of TIBCO Software Inc.'s TIBCO API Exchange Gateway and TIBCO API Exchange Gateway Distribution…
CVE-2016-2496 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): The Framework UI permission-dialog implementation in Android 6.x before 2016-06-01 allows attackers to conduct…
CVE-2021-21132 — Critical (CVSS 9.6): Inappropriate implementation in DevTools in Google Chrome prior to 88.0.4324.96 allowed a remote attacker to…
CVE-2021-21111 — Critical (CVSS 9.6): Insufficient policy enforcement in WebUI in Google Chrome prior to 87.0.4280.141 allowed an attacker who convinced a…
CVE-2024-10004 — Critical (CVSS 9.1): Opening an external link to an HTTP website when Firefox iOS was previously closed and had an HTTPS tab open could in…

Browse all CWE-1021 vulnerabilities →