CVE-2023-39402 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-2023-39402 vulnerability represents a critical parameter verification flaw within the installd module component of Android systems, specifically affecting devices running Android versions prior to 2023. This vulnerability resides in the core installation and management processes that handle application packages and their associated sandboxed environments. The installd module serves as a crucial system service responsible for managing application installation, uninstallation, and the creation of isolated sandbox directories for each application. When examining this vulnerability through the lens of cybersecurity frameworks, it aligns with CWE-20, which denotes "Improper Input Validation," and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate credentials and system access for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input parameters during the installation process, particularly when handling application package metadata and file system operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious application packages that manipulate the parameter flow within the installd module, potentially bypassing normal authorization checks that should prevent unauthorized access to sandboxed application directories. The flaw allows adversaries to perform read and write operations on sandbox files without proper authentication, effectively undermining the fundamental security principle of application isolation. This occurs because the installd module fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied parameters that dictate file access permissions and directory creation operations, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-39402 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it fundamentally compromises the application sandboxing model that Android relies upon for security isolation. Successful exploitation enables attackers to read sensitive application data, modify application files, and potentially inject malicious code into other applications' sandboxed environments. This vulnerability particularly affects applications that store sensitive information in their private directories, including personal data, authentication tokens, and cryptographic keys. The implications are severe for enterprise environments where multiple applications may be running on the same device, as the compromise of one application's sandbox could potentially provide access to data from other applications. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it operates at the system level, requiring minimal privileges for exploitation and potentially allowing attackers to maintain persistent access to compromised devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-39402 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management, with Android security patches addressing the parameter validation issues within the installd module. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of security updates and ensure that all devices are running the latest Android versions that contain the patched installd module implementation. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for unauthorized file system access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of application installation processes. Network-level monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous installation activities and parameter manipulation attempts. From a defense-in-depth perspective, organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in system services and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of core Android components that handle application lifecycle management and file system operations.