CVE-2023-42706 in SC7731E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In firewall service, 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 • 05/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42706 resides within a firewall service component where insufficient permission validation creates a path for unauthorized data access. This flaw manifests as a missing permission check during the recording of application write permissions, allowing malicious actors to potentially access sensitive information without requiring elevated execution privileges. The vulnerability operates at the system level where firewall services typically maintain strict access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to network security policies. When applications attempt to record write permissions, the service fails to verify whether the requesting entity possesses adequate authorization to perform such operations, creating a potential information disclosure vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the firewall service's permission handling subsystem. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checking where the system assumes that any requesting process has the necessary privileges to record permission usage data. The flaw likely exists in the service's validation logic where it processes permission records without properly cross-referencing the requesting application's credentials against established security policies. This missing validation step creates a gap in the security model that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to permission-related information, potentially exposing details about application access patterns and network behavior. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control issues in software systems.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for local information disclosure attacks where adversaries can access permission usage records without requiring additional privileges beyond normal application execution. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as these permission records often contain sensitive information about application behavior, network access patterns, and system security configurations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to understand the security posture of the system, identify potential targets for further exploitation, or map out network access controls that might be used in subsequent attack phases. The low privilege requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any application with basic execution rights, potentially allowing for reconnaissance activities that would normally require more sophisticated attack vectors.
The security implications of CVE-2023-42706 align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1562 (Impair Defenses) as the vulnerability enables unauthorized access to system information while potentially undermining the effectiveness of firewall protections. Organizations implementing this firewall service should consider the broader security implications of allowing unverified applications to record permission usage data, as this could provide attackers with insights into the system's security architecture and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control enforcement, particularly in security-critical services where unauthorized access to configuration data could compromise overall system security. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper permission validation mechanisms and ensuring that all access to sensitive system information requires appropriate authorization checks.
The vulnerability's exploitation potential is enhanced by the fact that it operates without requiring additional execution privileges, making it particularly concerning for environments where multiple applications share system resources. The lack of proper permission validation creates a persistent threat vector that could be leveraged by malware or compromised applications to gather information about system security policies and access control configurations. This type of information disclosure could enable attackers to craft more targeted attacks against specific applications or system components. Security practitioners should prioritize patching this vulnerability and implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized permission record access attempts. The flaw underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing that includes validation of access control mechanisms within security services, particularly those that handle sensitive system information and configuration data.