CVE-2013-6769 in Superuser
Summary
by MITRE
The CyanogenMod/ClockWorkMod/Koush Superuser package 1.0.2.1 for Android allows attackers to gain privileges via shell metacharacters in the -c option to /system/xbin/su.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6769 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Superuser package version 1.0.2.1 used in CyanogenMod, ClockWorkMod, and Koush implementations for Android devices. This vulnerability specifically targets the command execution mechanism within the su binary, which serves as the core component for granting superuser privileges on rooted Android devices. The Superuser package acts as an intermediary between applications seeking elevated permissions and the underlying system, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized administrative access to mobile devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation within the su binary's command-line argument handling, specifically when processing the -c option. Attackers can inject shell metacharacters into the command string passed to the su binary, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges without proper authentication or authorization. This flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input before passing it to shell execution contexts, creating a classic command injection vulnerability that allows malicious actors to manipulate the execution flow of the superuser binary. The vulnerability exists because the system does not properly escape or validate special shell characters such as semicolons, pipes, and other metacharacters that could alter the intended command execution path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over affected Android devices. Once exploited, attackers can modify system files, install malicious applications, access sensitive user data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the device ecosystem. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in mobile environments where devices often contain personal information, corporate data, and sensitive communications that could be compromised through unauthorized access. The widespread adoption of CyanogenMod and related custom ROMs makes this vulnerability particularly impactful, as it affects numerous devices across different manufacturers and model lines that utilize these superuser implementations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6769 require immediate patching of the affected Superuser package versions, with the recommended solution being the upgrade to patched versions that implement proper input sanitization and shell escaping mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns and network traffic analysis to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through command injection. System administrators should also enforce strict access controls and regularly audit device configurations to prevent unauthorized modifications that could enable exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing untrusted applications that may attempt to exploit such privilege escalation vulnerabilities.