CVE-2023-30682 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2023
Improper access control in Telecom prior to SMR Aug-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to call silenceRinger API without permission.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-30682 represents a critical access control flaw within the telecommunications software stack prior to the SMR August 2023 Release 1. This issue affects the underlying permission model that governs API access within the telecom infrastructure, specifically targeting the silenceRinger API functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that should have prevented unauthorized local access to privileged system functions. The flaw exists in the authorization framework where proper access controls are not enforced, allowing any local process or user to invoke the silenceRinger API without proper authentication or privilege verification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper access control scenario that aligns with CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization within software systems. The silenceRinger API serves as a critical system function that typically manages audio ringer behavior and may have broader implications for system call routing, audio processing, and potentially device security states. When local attackers can bypass access restrictions, they gain the ability to manipulate system audio states, which could serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks or as a vector for denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local privilege level, meaning that any process running with basic user permissions can potentially escalate their capabilities through this unauthorized API access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for telecom devices and systems that rely on proper access control mechanisms. The ability to call the silenceRinger API without permission could enable attackers to disrupt normal device operations, manipulate user experience, or potentially mask malicious activities by silencing system alerts. The attack surface extends beyond simple audio manipulation to include potential privilege escalation pathways and system stability compromise. Security professionals must consider how this vulnerability fits within the broader ATT&CK framework, particularly under the privilege escalation and defense evasion categories where unauthorized access to system functions can be leveraged to maintain persistence or hide malicious activities within the device ecosystem.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-30682 requires immediate implementation of proper access control enforcement mechanisms within the telecom software stack. Organizations should ensure that all API endpoints, particularly those with system-level privileges like silenceRinger, implement robust authentication and authorization checks before execution. The fix should include mandatory permission verification, proper user context validation, and logging of all API access attempts for security monitoring. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other APIs that may share similar access control weaknesses, as this represents a systemic issue rather than an isolated incident. The remediation process must also include thorough testing of access control mechanisms to ensure that legitimate system functions remain operational while unauthorized access attempts are properly blocked. Regular security audits and code reviews should be implemented to prevent similar access control vulnerabilities from emerging in future software releases.