CVE-2023-20971 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2023
In updatePermissionTreeSourcePackage of PermissionManagerServiceImpl.java, there is a possible way to obtain dangerous permission without the user's consent due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-225880325
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20971 resides within the Android permission management system, specifically in the updatePermissionTreeSourcePackage method of the PermissionManagerServiceImpl.java component. This flaw represents a critical logic error that undermines the fundamental security model governing permission assignment and management within the Android operating system. The vulnerability affects Android 13 and potentially other versions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate privileges locally without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges. The issue stems from improper validation mechanisms within the permission tree source package update process, which allows unauthorized access to dangerous permissions that should otherwise require explicit user consent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through a logic error in the permission management service that fails to properly validate the source package when updating permission trees. This flaw enables an attacker to manipulate the permission assignment process by exploiting the lack of proper input validation and authorization checks during package source updates. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the Android permission framework, where the system should enforce strict controls over which packages can acquire specific permission levels. When the updatePermissionTreeSourcePackage method processes package updates, it fails to properly authenticate or verify the legitimacy of the source package, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation through unauthorized permission acquisition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise through unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to dangerous permissions such as system-level access, device administration capabilities, or other elevated privileges that would normally require explicit user consent. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes local privilege escalation techniques that do not require user interaction, and represents a significant weakening of Android's security model as defined by CWE-284 which addresses improper access control vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-20971 should focus on implementing robust input validation and source authentication mechanisms within the permission management service. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying the latest security patches and updates provided by Google to address this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing stricter package verification processes, enhancing the permission tree update validation logic, and monitoring for unauthorized permission changes. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and enhanced system monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining secure coding practices in system-level components and underscores the necessity of thorough security testing for permission management systems. Security professionals should also consider implementing network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all Android devices receive timely security updates to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation through this vector.