CVE-2023-39400 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-2023-39400 vulnerability represents a critical parameter verification flaw within the installd module component of Android systems. This vulnerability resides in the core installation service that manages application package installations and system updates. The installd module operates with elevated privileges and maintains strict access controls over system resources, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized system access. The flaw specifically manifests in how the module validates input parameters during installation processes, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to bypass intended security controls.
This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before processing them. The technical implementation involves the installd service failing to adequately verify file paths, permissions, or installation parameters during package management operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious installation requests that manipulate parameter values to gain unauthorized access to sandboxed file systems. The vulnerability enables attackers to read and write files in restricted sandbox environments that should normally be protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-39400 is severe as it allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access within the Android security model. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can enable attackers to access sensitive application data, read system files, and potentially modify sandboxed environments that contain user information or application state data. This represents a significant breach of the Android security architecture's principle of least privilege, where the installd module should only operate within defined parameter boundaries. The vulnerability affects the core installation framework and can potentially compromise the integrity of the entire system update process.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. The attack surface leverages the Android system's installation framework to bypass sandbox protections, potentially allowing for the installation of malicious applications or modification of legitimate system components. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious application installations, system update packages, or even through compromised developer environments that interact with the installd service.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-39400 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Android versions and implementation of runtime monitoring for suspicious installation activities. Organizations should deploy enhanced input validation controls and implement strict parameter verification mechanisms within system services. Network security teams should monitor for unusual installation patterns and unauthorized access attempts to sandboxed environments. The Android security model requires regular updates to address such vulnerabilities, and system administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in the installd module. Additionally, the implementation of application whitelisting and strict permission controls can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation of this vulnerability.