CVE-2023-35653 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
In TBD of TBD, there is a possible way to access location information due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-35653 represents a critical permissions bypass flaw that allows unauthorized access to location information within a system. This vulnerability exists in the permission handling mechanisms of the affected software, specifically in the way it manages access controls for location data. The flaw enables an attacker with system execution privileges to bypass normal access restrictions and obtain sensitive location information that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability's classification as a permissions bypass aligns with CWE-284 which describes improper access control scenarios where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions. The lack of user interaction requirement for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be leveraged automatically without any human intervention.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of access control mechanisms within the system's location services. When system execution privileges are present, the attacker can manipulate the permission framework to gain access to location data that is normally restricted to authorized users or processes. This type of flaw typically occurs when the software fails to properly enforce mandatory access controls or when it relies on insufficient discretionary access control mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates a weakness in the system's security model where the separation of privileges is not properly maintained, allowing elevation of access to sensitive location information. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this under privilege escalation techniques where adversaries exploit weaknesses in access control to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-35653 is severe as it enables local information disclosure of location data which can be highly sensitive and personally identifiable. Location information can reveal personal habits, routines, and whereabouts of individuals, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in contexts involving privacy-sensitive applications. The requirement for system execution privileges means that attackers who have already compromised system access can leverage this flaw to expand their reconnaissance capabilities and gather additional intelligence about target locations. This could facilitate further attacks including social engineering, physical security breaches, or targeted attacks based on location-based information. The vulnerability's potential for automated exploitation makes it particularly attractive to threat actors who seek to maximize their operational efficiency.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-35653 should focus on strengthening access control mechanisms and implementing proper privilege separation. System administrators should ensure that all location data access is properly audited and that access controls are enforced through robust mandatory access control policies. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be reinforced to prevent unnecessary access to location information. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control vulnerabilities within the system. Additionally, monitoring and logging of location data access attempts should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security architecture design and adherence to security best practices as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and standards. Organizations should also consider implementing additional layers of protection such as encryption of location data at rest and in transit to minimize the impact of potential access control bypasses.