CVE-2023-42741 in SC7731E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In telecom 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 • 12/23/2023
This vulnerability exists within telecommunications service implementations where applications can potentially write permission usage records without proper authorization checks. The flaw represents a critical access control weakness that allows unauthorized modification of permission logging mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of app permissions before allowing write operations to permission usage record files or databases. This type of vulnerability is classified as a missing permission check issue that falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically related to improper access control mechanisms. The absence of proper authorization validation creates an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate or inject data into permission tracking systems.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when the telecommunications service fails to verify whether an application has the necessary privileges to modify permission usage records. This missing validation occurs at the service layer where permission tracking mechanisms should enforce strict access controls. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging existing app permissions or by manipulating the service interface to bypass normal authorization flows. The vulnerability does not require additional execution privileges since the underlying service already grants some level of access that can be abused through the missing permission check. This creates a scenario where legitimate applications or malicious actors can write to permission logs without proper authorization, potentially leading to unauthorized data manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential privilege escalation and system integrity compromise. Local information disclosure occurs when attackers can access or modify permission usage records that may contain sensitive data about application behaviors, user activities, or system configurations. The vulnerability enables attackers to craft false permission usage logs that could be used to mask malicious activities or create false narratives about application behavior. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.006 for indicator removal and T1566.001 for credential access through manipulation of system logs. The local nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not need remote access capabilities, as the exploitation can occur within the same system context where the telecommunications service operates.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive permission validation mechanisms before any write operations to permission usage records. The service implementation must enforce strict authorization checks that verify application privileges against expected permission levels before allowing any modifications to permission tracking systems. Security controls should include mandatory access controls that prevent unauthorized applications from writing to permission usage databases or files. Organizations should implement logging and monitoring solutions that detect anomalous permission usage record modifications and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. The fix requires proper input validation and authorization verification at every point where permission records are modified, ensuring that only authorized applications can perform write operations to these sensitive system components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of defense in depth principles in telecommunications service implementations where access control mechanisms must be robust and multi-layered to prevent unauthorized data manipulation.