CVE-2023-48411 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/08/2023
In SignalStrengthAdapter::FillGsmSignalStrength() of protocolmiscadapter.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with baseband firmware compromise required. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48411 resides within the SignalStrengthAdapter::FillGsmSignalStrength() function in the protocolmiscadapter.cpp file of a mobile communication system. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to validate array indices before accessing memory locations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds checking mechanism, which allows unauthorized memory access patterns that can potentially expose sensitive data or system information. The implementation lacks proper input validation for signal strength data processing, creating an exploitable path where malicious actors can manipulate the baseband firmware to trigger the out-of-bounds read condition.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires compromise of the baseband firmware, which serves as the foundational layer for wireless communication operations in mobile devices. This prerequisite aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for execution through command and scripting interpreter, as the attacker must establish control over the firmware level to manipulate signal strength data. The baseband firmware compromise typically involves advanced persistent threat actors who have already gained system-level access or have exploited earlier vulnerabilities within the device's security chain. Once the firmware is compromised, the attacker can craft specific GSM signal strength data that triggers the missing bounds check, causing the system to read memory beyond allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more severe compromise scenarios. Local information disclosure through this out-of-bounds read can expose sensitive communication parameters, cryptographic keys, or device configuration data that resides in memory locations adjacent to the improperly validated signal strength buffer. The requirement for baseband firmware compromise indicates that this vulnerability operates at a privileged system level where attackers can manipulate low-level hardware communication protocols. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK tactic T1566 for initial access through phishing or supply chain compromises, as the baseband firmware compromise often occurs through these attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48411 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms throughout the signal strength processing pipeline. The primary remediation involves adding proper array boundary validation before any memory access operations, ensuring that all indices used in the FillGsmSignalStrength function are validated against expected data ranges. Security patches should include input sanitization routines that verify signal strength data integrity before processing, preventing malicious data from triggering the out-of-bounds read condition. Additionally, implementing memory safety features such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough firmware security assessments to identify similar bounds checking vulnerabilities across related communication protocols, as the underlying architectural flaw may exist in other components of the baseband processing system. The vulnerability's classification as requiring baseband firmware compromise means that traditional endpoint security solutions may not be sufficient, necessitating hardware-level security measures and secure boot processes to prevent unauthorized firmware modifications.