CVE-2023-21189 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2023
In startLockTaskMode of LockTaskController.java, there is a possible bypass of lock task mode 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 needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-213942596
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21189 resides within the Android operating system's lock task mode implementation, specifically in the startLockTaskMode method of the LockTaskController.java component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the fundamental purpose of lock task mode, which is designed to restrict users to a single application or predefined set of applications while preventing access to other system functions. The vulnerability manifests as a logic error that allows unauthorized bypass of the lock task restrictions, potentially enabling malicious actors to escape the confined application environment.
The technical flaw occurs within the LockTaskController's logic flow when processing lock task mode activation requests. When an application attempts to initiate lock task mode through the startLockTaskMode API, the system should enforce strict validation to ensure that only authorized applications can enter this restricted state. However, the implementation contains a logical error that permits certain conditions to bypass the intended access controls, allowing any application to potentially activate lock task mode regardless of proper authorization. This logic error creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that can be executed without requiring additional execution privileges beyond what is normally available to a standard application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local privilege escalation through a bypass of the system's security controls. An attacker with a malicious application could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system-level functions that should remain restricted during lock task mode. The vulnerability requires only user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal user activities such as application installation or interaction with malicious interfaces. This capability allows attackers to potentially access sensitive system functions, modify system configurations, or escalate their privileges to gain administrative access to the device. The implications extend beyond simple application confinement as this vulnerability undermines the entire security model that lock task mode is designed to enforce.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21189 should focus on immediate system updates and configuration hardening measures. Organizations and users should prioritize installing the latest Android security patches that address this specific logic error in the LockTaskController implementation. System administrators should review and restrict the applications that are permitted to invoke lock task mode, implementing additional application vetting processes to prevent unauthorized access. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software implementations, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unauthorized lock task mode activation attempts and implementing application sandboxing controls that further restrict the capabilities of applications attempting to enter lock task mode. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional runtime checks that validate the legitimacy of lock task mode requests and ensure proper authorization before allowing any application to enter restricted mode.