CVE-2023-42671 in SC7731E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In imsservice, there is a possible way to write permission usage records of an app due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42671 resides within the imsservice component, which appears to be part of a mobile operating system or application framework. This flaw represents a critical permission bypass issue that allows unauthorized applications to write permission usage records without proper authorization checks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the service implementation, creating a path for malicious actors to manipulate permission logging systems. Such a weakness undermines the fundamental security model of the platform by enabling unauthorized data modification through legitimate service interfaces.
The technical implementation flaw manifests as a missing permission check during the write operation of permission usage records. This omission creates a privilege escalation vector where any application can potentially modify permission logs regardless of its actual authorization level. The vulnerability operates at the system level where permission auditing mechanisms should enforce strict access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in permission checking mechanisms, specifically CWE-284 which addresses inadequate access control. The flaw operates under the principle that proper authorization should be verified before any sensitive data modification occurs, yet the imsservice fails to implement this basic security requirement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system integrity compromise. Attackers can exploit this weakness to manipulate permission usage records, potentially hiding malicious activities or creating false audit trails that obscure actual security incidents. This capability enables adversaries to bypass security monitoring systems that rely on accurate permission logging for threat detection. The vulnerability requires no additional execution privileges beyond standard application permissions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any installed application. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and credential access patterns, specifically targeting the persistence and defense evasion capabilities of threat actors.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper permission validation checks within the imsservice component. Security patches must enforce strict authorization verification before allowing any permission record modifications, ensuring that only authorized system components can modify audit trails. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of permission usage record modifications to detect anomalous activity patterns. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of access control implementation in security-critical services, particularly those handling audit and logging functions. Regular security assessments should validate that all system services enforce proper authorization checks, preventing similar issues from arising in other components. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices that emphasize mandatory permission verification for all sensitive operations, aligning with security best practices established in industry standards and frameworks.