CVE-2023-35676 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2023
In createQuickShareAction of SaveImageInBackgroundTask.java, there is a possible way to trigger a background activity launch due to an unsafe PendingIntent. 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 • 09/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-35676 resides within the SaveImageInBackgroundTask.java file, specifically in the createQuickShareAction method where an unsafe PendingIntent is constructed. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for unauthorized background activity execution without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges. The vulnerability manifests through improper PendingIntent configuration that fails to implement necessary security restrictions, creating an exploitable pathway for privilege escalation.
This security flaw falls under the category of unsafe PendingIntent usage, which is commonly associated with CWE-352, representing Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities. The improper handling of PendingIntent objects creates a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate the background activity launch process to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, as it allows for privilege escalation without requiring additional execution rights or user interaction.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-35676 is significant, as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that can potentially allow attackers to gain elevated system privileges. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1068 technique for 'Local Privilege Escalation' and T1548.001 for 'Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism'. The vulnerability can be leveraged to execute malicious activities with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows the ATT&CK pattern of using system-level capabilities to achieve privilege escalation without requiring additional attack vectors. The unsafe PendingIntent construction creates a direct pathway for malicious applications to launch background activities with elevated privileges, bypassing normal security boundaries. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same user context, as it allows for lateral movement and privilege escalation within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-35676 should focus on implementing proper PendingIntent security measures, including the use of FLAG_IMMUTABLE or FLAG_MUTABLE flags appropriately, and ensuring that background activities are properly restricted. Organizations should implement application sandboxing and privilege separation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. The fix should involve modifying the createQuickShareAction method to properly configure PendingIntent objects with appropriate security flags and restrictions. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar unsafe PendingIntent usage patterns across the application codebase. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper intent handling and PendingIntent configuration in Android applications, particularly when dealing with background activities and system-level operations.