CVE-2023-42718 in SC7731E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In dialer, 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-2023-42718 resides within the dialer component of an Android system, representing a significant security flaw that undermines the platform's permission model. This issue stems from a missing permission check during the recording of application usage statistics, specifically within the dialer module's functionality. The flaw allows malicious applications to potentially write to permission usage records without proper authorization, exploiting a gap in the system's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the confines of local system resources, requiring no additional execution privileges or elevated permissions to exploit, making it accessible to any application with basic system access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control conditions where an application fails to properly verify permissions before performing operations that should be restricted. The dialer component in Android systems typically maintains detailed logs of application usage and permissions, serving as a critical audit trail for system security. When this permission check is bypassed, the system's integrity is compromised as unauthorized applications can manipulate these usage records to mask their activities or create false logs of legitimate permission usage. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor through which applications can write to system-protected usage logs without proper authorization, undermining the trust model that governs Android's permission system.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-42718 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables potential attackers to manipulate system audit trails and create false narratives about application behavior. This vulnerability could be leveraged to hide malicious activities by writing false permission usage records, making it difficult for security tools and system administrators to detect unauthorized access patterns. The local information disclosure aspect means that an attacker could potentially access sensitive data about other applications' permission usage, creating a vector for further exploitation. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability operates at the ATT&CK framework's T1070.004 technique for Indicator Removal on Host, where adversaries remove or modify system logs to avoid detection. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by any application running on the device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42718 should focus on implementing proper permission verification within the dialer component before allowing any writes to usage records. System updates should enforce strict access controls that validate the calling application's permissions before permitting modifications to permission usage logs. Security patches should address the missing permission check by implementing comprehensive validation mechanisms that ensure only authorized applications can modify these critical system records. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous patterns in permission usage records, as these modifications may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining strict separation of duties within system components and demonstrates how seemingly minor permission gaps can create significant security risks. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that all system components properly validate permissions before performing sensitive operations, particularly those that affect system logging and audit trails.