CVE-2023-35679 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2023
In MtpPropertyValue of MtpProperty.h, there is a possible out of bounds read due to uninitialized data. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-35679 resides within the MtpPropertyValue component of MtpProperty.h in a mobile device management system. This issue manifests as a potential out of bounds read condition that stems from the utilization of uninitialized data within the property value handling mechanism. The flaw exists in the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) implementation where property values are processed and managed during device communication operations. The uninitialized data scenario creates a situation where memory locations containing arbitrary values are accessed without proper initialization, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential data leakage.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the MtpPropertyValue structure where memory is allocated for property values but not properly initialized before access. When the system processes MTP property data, it may attempt to read from memory locations that contain leftover data from previous operations or uninitialized memory segments. This uninitialized memory access pattern creates a pathway for information disclosure where sensitive data from adjacent memory regions may be inadvertently exposed. The out of bounds read occurs because the code does not validate the bounds of memory access operations against the actual size of allocated buffers or initialized data structures, allowing access beyond intended memory boundaries.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires local user interaction, meaning an attacker must have access to the device and be able to trigger the specific MTP communication sequence that activates the flawed code path. The attack scenario typically involves establishing MTP connections or transferring media files through the device's MTP interface, which then invokes the vulnerable MtpPropertyValue processing functions. Since no additional execution privileges are required beyond normal user access, this represents a significant risk as it can be exploited by malicious applications or users with legitimate access to the device. The local information disclosure aspect means that attackers can potentially extract sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential information stored in memory regions adjacent to the uninitialized data structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with valuable insights into the device's memory layout and potentially reveal sensitive operational data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-457 which addresses use of uninitialized variables, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues that can lead to information leakage in mobile environments. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving information gathering and credential access through local system manipulation. The vulnerability affects mobile platforms that implement MTP functionality for device communication, potentially impacting devices running various operating systems including android and other mobile platforms that support MTP protocols for media transfer and device management operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-35679 should focus on proper memory initialization practices and bounds checking within the MTP property value processing code. Developers should ensure that all memory allocations within MtpPropertyValue structures are properly initialized before access, implementing defensive programming techniques such as zero-initialization of memory regions and comprehensive bounds validation. The recommended approach includes applying input sanitization to all MTP property values, implementing proper error handling for memory access operations, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns of uninitialized variable usage. Additionally, system administrators should consider applying security patches and updates provided by device manufacturers, as well as implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous MTP communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and memory safety mechanisms in mobile device management systems, particularly those handling sensitive data through communication protocols like MTP.