CVE-2023-40097 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2023
In hasPermissionForActivity of PackageManagerHelper.java, there is a possible URI grant due to improper input validation. 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 • 12/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40097 resides within the PackageManagerHelper.java component of an Android system, specifically in the hasPermissionForActivity method. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could enable malicious actors to escalate privileges locally on affected devices. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify URI inputs before processing them within the permission checking framework. Such improper validation creates an avenue for attackers to manipulate URI parameters in ways that bypass normal permission enforcement mechanisms. The security implications are particularly severe because this vulnerability can be exploited to grant unauthorized access to system resources or functionality that should otherwise be restricted to specific applications or users. The exploitation requires user interaction, meaning that a malicious application must first gain the ability to convince a user to perform a specific action, such as clicking on a crafted link or opening a malicious file. This user interaction requirement does not diminish the severity of the vulnerability, as social engineering attacks are commonly successful in real-world scenarios, particularly when targeting mobile device users who may not be security-aware.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software systems. When the hasPermissionForActivity method processes URI inputs without proper validation, it creates a path where attacker-controlled data can influence the permission checking logic. This allows for potential manipulation of the permission decision flow, enabling unauthorized access to activities or components that should be protected. The flaw essentially permits a malicious actor to craft URI parameters that will be interpreted in a way that grants additional privileges or bypasses existing security controls. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system functionality, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further escalation within the device's security boundaries.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the Android permission model's integrity. When URI inputs are not properly validated, the entire security framework that relies on permission checking becomes compromised. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in mobile environments where applications have extensive access to device resources and user data. The fact that exploitation requires user interaction does not eliminate the risk, as mobile users are often targets of sophisticated social engineering campaigns that can effectively exploit such weaknesses. Security researchers have noted that vulnerabilities of this nature often serve as initial access points for more complex attack chains, where the privilege escalation enables further exploitation of other system components. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically related to the manipulation of system permissions and access controls. Organizations and users should be particularly concerned about this vulnerability as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to bypass the Android security model's intended protection mechanisms, creating opportunities for data exfiltration, system compromise, or persistent access to affected devices. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation mechanisms, restricting URI parameter handling within permission checking logic, and ensuring that all user-interaction requirements are properly validated to prevent exploitation.
The remediation of CVE-2023-40097 requires comprehensive input validation implementation within the PackageManagerHelper.java component. System administrators and developers should prioritize updating affected Android versions and applying security patches that address the URI validation flaw. Additionally, implementing proper sandboxing mechanisms and restricting URI parameter handling within permission checking functions can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can monitor for suspicious permission requests and user interactions that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of permission checking logic and URI handling components should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining robust input validation practices throughout Android system components, particularly in security-critical areas where user interaction may be required for exploitation.