CVE-2023-48418 in Pixel Watch
Summary
by MITRE • 01/03/2024
In checkDebuggingDisallowed of DeviceVersionFragment.java, there is a possible way to access adb before SUW completion due to an insecure default value. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48418 resides within the DeviceVersionFragment.java component of an Android system implementation, specifically in the checkDebuggingDisallowed method. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that allows unauthorized access to Android Debug Bridge functionality prior to the completion of the Setup Wizard process. The issue stems from an insecure default value configuration that fails to properly enforce security restrictions during the device initialization phase. The vulnerability manifests as a privilege escalation opportunity where an attacker can potentially gain elevated system privileges without requiring any additional execution permissions or user interaction, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw occurs during the device setup process when the system should be enforcing strict security boundaries to prevent debugging access until the setup is complete. However, due to the insecure default value in the checkDebuggingDisallowed method, the system fails to properly validate the setup state before granting adb access. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in the system's security initialization process. The vulnerability operates at the system level where the Android framework should maintain strict control over debugging interfaces until the device is fully configured and secured.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-48418 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors with physical access to the device. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, the vulnerability can be leveraged by malware or attackers who gain access to the device during the setup phase or immediately after. This timing window creates a significant attack surface where the device is in a transitional state and security controls are not yet fully enforced. The vulnerability can be exploited to install malicious applications, extract sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors. The lack of additional execution privileges needed means that even users with limited access can potentially exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where devices may be compromised during initial setup.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate code-level fixes that properly enforce security boundaries during device setup. The implementation should ensure that the checkDebuggingDisallowed method correctly validates the setup wizard completion status before granting adb access permissions. Security patches should enforce strict state validation and prevent debugging interfaces from being accessible until the setup process is fully complete. Organizations should implement robust device management policies that monitor for unauthorized access attempts and establish clear procedures for handling devices that may be in transitional security states. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing during the development lifecycle, particularly focusing on security boundary conditions and state management during system initialization processes. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that default security configurations properly enforce access controls throughout the device lifecycle, preventing similar issues from emerging in future implementations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation sub-technique where adversaries leverage insecure default configurations to gain elevated privileges.