CVE-2023-21299 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
In Package Manager, there is a possible way to determine whether an app is installed, without query permissions, due to side channel information disclosure. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21299 resides within the Package Manager component of Android systems, representing a significant information disclosure flaw that undermines application privacy and system security. This vulnerability operates through a side-channel attack vector that allows malicious actors to determine the presence of specific applications on a device without requiring any explicit query permissions or user interaction. The flaw specifically exploits the Package Manager's response behavior when handling certain API calls, creating observable differences in system behavior that can be leveraged to infer installed application status. This represents a fundamental breach in the principle of least privilege and application isolation that forms the cornerstone of mobile security architectures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and response normalization within the Package Manager's internal processing mechanisms. When applications attempt to query package information through specific APIs, the system's response varies depending on whether the target application is installed or not. This differential response creates a timing or behavioral side channel that can be measured and analyzed by an attacker. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 as "Information Exposure" and more specifically aligns with CWE-310 as "Cryptographic Vulnerability" due to the information leakage through non-cryptographic channels. The attack pattern follows the TTPs described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as it enables reconnaissance capabilities that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables persistent surveillance capabilities without requiring any elevated privileges or user interaction. An attacker can repeatedly query the Package Manager to build comprehensive profiles of installed applications on a target device, potentially identifying sensitive applications such as banking apps, email clients, or enterprise applications. This information disclosure can facilitate targeted attacks, social engineering campaigns, and privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates silently in the background and can be exploited by any application with basic package access permissions, making it difficult to detect and mitigate. The lack of user interaction requirement means that attacks can be automated and executed continuously, creating a persistent reconnaissance capability that undermines user privacy and system security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21299 should focus on implementing proper response normalization within the Package Manager to ensure consistent behavior regardless of application installation status. System-level patches should enforce strict input validation and eliminate differential responses that could create side channels. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual Package Manager activity patterns and establish network-based detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts. The Android Security Team has addressed this vulnerability through system updates that normalize API responses and eliminate the information leakage through side channels. Security practitioners should ensure all devices are updated to the latest security patches and implement application whitelisting policies to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Additionally, developers should avoid relying on package information queries for security-sensitive operations and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized enumeration of installed applications.