CVE-2023-39399 in EMUI
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2023
Parameter verification vulnerability in the installd module. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may cause sandbox files to be read and written without authorization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The CVE-2023-39399 vulnerability represents a critical parameter verification flaw within the installd module of Android systems, which serves as the core component responsible for installing and managing applications on mobile devices. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation, specifically categorized as CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, where the system fails to adequately verify or sanitize input parameters before processing them. The installd module operates within a privileged context and maintains strict access controls to prevent unauthorized file operations, making this weakness particularly dangerous as it could allow malicious actors to bypass these security mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the installd module fails to properly validate parameters passed during application installation or update processes. This inadequate parameter verification creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the installation flow and gain unauthorized access to sandboxed file systems. When applications are installed or updated, the installd service typically handles file operations within designated sandbox directories that isolate application data from other system components. However, due to the missing parameter validation checks, an attacker can potentially inject malicious parameters that cause the module to perform file operations outside of normal boundaries, effectively allowing read and write access to sandbox files that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Android application sandboxing. Attackers could leverage this weakness to read sensitive application data, modify installed applications, or even inject malicious code into the system. The vulnerability affects the core installation mechanism, meaning that any application installation or update process could potentially be exploited, making this a persistent threat that could be triggered repeatedly. This weakness particularly impacts mobile device security where sandboxing is crucial for preventing applications from accessing each other's data or system resources without proper authorization, as defined by the Android security architecture and referenced in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1552.001 for Unsecured Credentials and T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-39399 should focus on immediate patching of affected Android versions and implementation of additional runtime protections. Organizations should ensure all devices are updated with the latest security patches from their respective vendors, as this vulnerability typically requires system-level fixes rather than application-level workarounds. Security researchers recommend implementing strict parameter validation mechanisms within the installd module to ensure all input parameters are properly sanitized and verified before processing. Additionally, monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous installation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual file access patterns within application sandbox directories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining robust input validation across all system components, especially those operating in privileged contexts, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and various security standards including NIST SP 800-53 controls related to input validation and system integrity.