CVE-2023-35665 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2023
In multiple files, there is a possible way to import a contact from another user due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical authorization flaw that exists across multiple system files within the affected software ecosystem. The core issue stems from a missing permission validation mechanism that allows authenticated users to access and import contact data from other users without proper authorization checks. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 category, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms that permit unauthorized access to resources. The flaw operates at the application level where the system fails to properly verify user permissions before executing data import operations, creating a pathway for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege enforcement. When users attempt to import contact information, the system should validate that the importing user has appropriate permissions to access the target user's data. However, the missing permission check creates a scenario where any authenticated user can bypass these security controls and access contact information belonging to other users. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization validation that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data. The vulnerability does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any user engagement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to include potential privilege escalation scenarios. While the primary effect involves unauthorized contact data access, the missing permission validation could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about other users, potentially enabling further exploitation attempts such as social engineering or credential harvesting. The lack of user interaction requirement means that automated exploitation is possible, increasing the potential attack surface and making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors. This type of flaw can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials for unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust permission validation mechanisms across all file import operations within the affected system. The immediate solution involves adding comprehensive access control checks that verify user permissions before allowing contact data import operations. Organizations should implement proper role-based access control measures that ensure users can only access data they are authorized to view. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar permission gaps in other system components. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews to ensure that all data import and export functions properly validate user permissions. System administrators should also implement monitoring controls to detect and alert on unauthorized access attempts to contact data, providing visibility into potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of defense in depth strategies and demonstrates why comprehensive access control validation is essential for maintaining system security.