CVE-2023-21369 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
In Usage Access, there is a possible way to display a Settings usage access restriction toggle screen due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21369 resides within the Usage Access functionality of a mobile operating system or application framework, representing a permissions bypass flaw that undermines the intended security controls. This issue manifests when the system incorrectly allows the display of a Settings usage access restriction toggle screen despite the absence of proper authorization. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of access control mechanisms and user interface rendering, where the system fails to properly validate whether the requesting entity possesses the necessary privileges to interact with usage access restrictions. The flaw stems from insufficient authorization checks during the presentation of restricted system controls, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to administrative interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a breakdown in the permission validation process that typically occurs when users attempt to modify usage access restrictions through the settings interface. The system should enforce strict access controls that prevent unauthorized entities from viewing or manipulating usage access settings, but the bypass allows for the display of these controls even when the user lacks appropriate privileges. This represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in the system's access control enforcement mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the usage access restriction toggle screen, which is designed to control application permissions and monitor usage patterns, making it a critical component of the system's security architecture.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables a local denial of service condition that can be exploited without requiring any additional execution privileges or elevated access rights. The attack requires only user interaction to initiate the exploitation process, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered through normal user activities such as navigating the settings menu or interacting with application permission controls. The denial of service impact occurs when the system becomes unable to properly manage usage access restrictions, potentially leading to complete loss of functionality for usage monitoring features or the inability to enforce proper access controls. This vulnerability can be leveraged by malicious actors to disrupt normal system operations and compromise the integrity of usage access controls that are essential for maintaining system security and privacy.
The exploitability of CVE-2023-21369 aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree framework, where attackers can utilize permission bypass techniques to gain unauthorized access to system controls. This vulnerability maps to CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues, and could potentially be categorized under CWE-352 for Cross-Site Request Forgery or CWE-798 for use of hard-coded credentials, depending on the specific implementation details. The vulnerability also intersects with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion, as it allows attackers to bypass security controls that would normally prevent unauthorized access to system management interfaces. The local nature of the exploit means that it does not require network connectivity or remote access capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access to devices is possible.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust permission validation mechanisms that ensure proper authorization checks occur before displaying any restricted system controls. System administrators and developers should ensure that all access control decisions are made based on comprehensive authentication and authorization checks, with no bypass paths that allow unauthorized access to sensitive system interfaces. The recommended approach involves strengthening the validation logic within the usage access restriction toggle screen display mechanism, ensuring that all requests for access to these controls are properly authenticated and authorized. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access control enforcement at multiple levels within the system architecture can help prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on access control implementations are essential to identify and remediate potential bypass vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.