CVE-2023-29753 in Emoji Keyboard
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2023
An issue found in Facemoji Emoji Keyboard v.2.9.1.2 for Android allows a local attacker to cause a denial of service via the SharedPreference files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-29753 resides within the Facemoji Emoji Keyboard Android application version 2.9.1.2, representing a significant security flaw that enables local attackers to execute denial of service attacks through manipulation of shared preference files. This issue demonstrates a critical weakness in the application's handling of persistent data storage mechanisms that are fundamental to Android application functionality and user experience management.
The technical flaw manifests through improper validation and handling of shared preference files within the emoji keyboard application. Shared preferences in Android serve as a lightweight storage mechanism for key-value pairs that persist between application sessions, commonly used for storing user settings, application state, and configuration data. When an attacker can manipulate these files, they gain the ability to corrupt or modify the application's data structure in ways that cause the application to crash or become unresponsive. The vulnerability specifically exploits the application's failure to implement adequate input sanitization and file integrity checks when processing shared preference data, allowing malicious actors to inject malformed or malicious data that disrupts normal application operation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risks for end users who rely on the emoji keyboard application for daily communication. The denial of service condition can render the keyboard application completely non-functional, forcing users to either restart their device or manually clear application data to restore normal functionality. The local attack vector means that the threat actor must already have access to the device, typically through physical possession or through other compromised applications, but this still represents a serious security concern given the widespread use of emoji keyboards and their integration into core messaging and communication workflows. The vulnerability can potentially be exploited to disrupt user productivity and communication, particularly in enterprise environments where such disruptions can cascade across organizational communication channels.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-16 Architecture and Design Errors, specifically addressing weaknesses in data handling and storage mechanisms within mobile applications. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 Disruption Through System Resource Exhaustion, as the denial of service can effectively consume system resources and prevent legitimate application functionality. Additionally, this weakness demonstrates poor input validation practices that could potentially be leveraged for more severe exploits if combined with other vulnerabilities. The shared preference file manipulation attack vector highlights the importance of secure data storage practices in mobile applications and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of persistent data storage mechanisms. Organizations should consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect similar issues in mobile applications and ensure proper file integrity validation and error handling in shared preference implementations.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate application updates from the vendor to address the shared preference handling vulnerabilities, along with comprehensive code reviews to ensure proper input validation and error handling mechanisms are implemented. Security professionals should also consider implementing mobile application security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns related to shared preference file access and modification. Regular security assessments of mobile applications should include thorough testing of data persistence mechanisms to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.