CVE-2023-35682 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2023
In hasPermissionForActivity of PackageManagerHelper.java, there is a possible way to start arbitrary components due to a confused deputy. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-35682 resides within the PackageManagerHelper.java file, specifically in the hasPermissionForActivity method implementation. This flaw represents a confused deputy problem where an application or component incorrectly interprets or delegates authority to another entity without proper validation of the calling context. The vulnerability stems from insufficient verification of the calling application's identity and permissions, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms, and specifically relates to confused deputy problems where a trusted process is tricked into performing actions on behalf of an untrusted entity. The flaw allows for arbitrary component execution, meaning that an attacker can potentially launch any application component they choose, regardless of their actual permissions. This creates a significant security risk as it bypasses normal Android permission models and can lead to unauthorized system access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might have partial system access. The requirement for user interaction indicates that exploitation typically occurs through social engineering or user deception techniques where the victim unknowingly triggers the malicious component. This makes the vulnerability more difficult to detect and prevent compared to fully automated exploits.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it can potentially allow attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges, access sensitive data, or modify system configurations. The confused deputy nature means that the system's permission checking mechanisms are effectively bypassed, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that could be leveraged to gain root access or access to protected system resources.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper permission validation and context checking within the PackageManagerHelper.java file. Developers should ensure that all component launches are properly authenticated and that the calling application's identity is verified before executing any delegated operations. The fix should involve strengthening the permission checking logic in the hasPermissionForActivity method to validate not only the requested permissions but also the calling context and application identity. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and context-aware access controls would help prevent unauthorized component execution and protect against similar confused deputy scenarios in other parts of the system. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and monitoring for suspicious component launches to detect potential exploitation attempts.