CVE-2024-0046 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In installExistingPackageAsUser of InstallPackageHelper.java, there is a possible carrier restriction bypass due to a logic error in the code. 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 • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0046 represents a critical security flaw within the Android operating system's package installation mechanism, specifically affecting the installExistingPackageAsUser method in the InstallPackageHelper.java component. This issue stems from a logic error that allows unauthorized bypassing of carrier restrictions, potentially enabling malicious actors to escalate privileges locally without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. The flaw exists at the system level within the Android framework, making it particularly dangerous as it operates below the application layer where typical security controls might be bypassed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the InstallPackageHelper.java file where the installExistingPackageAsUser method fails to properly validate carrier restriction policies during package installation processes. This logic error creates a pathway for privilege escalation by allowing packages to be installed or updated without proper carrier compliance checks that should normally be enforced. The vulnerability operates at the system level, leveraging the inherent trust placed in the package installation framework to execute code with elevated privileges. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the design and implementation of access control mechanisms, specifically falling under CWE-284 for improper access control and CWE-250 for execution with unnecessary privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0046 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to potentially install malicious applications with carrier-level restrictions that should normally prevent such installations. This vulnerability can be exploited by any local attacker with basic system access, making it particularly concerning for devices where physical access is possible. The lack of user interaction requirement means that exploitation can occur automatically when certain conditions are met, potentially allowing for stealthy privilege escalation attacks that could go undetected for extended periods. This flaw directly impacts the Android security model's ability to enforce carrier-specific restrictions, undermining the integrity of the device's security framework.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system updates from device manufacturers and Google, as the fix would require modifications to the core Android installation framework. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize patch deployment to address the logic error in the InstallPackageHelper.java file. The vulnerability's nature suggests that implementing additional runtime checks and validation mechanisms within the package installation process would be necessary to prevent unauthorized bypasses of carrier restrictions. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual package installation patterns and implementing enhanced security policies to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation and represents a significant threat to Android device security, particularly in enterprise environments where carrier compliance is critical for network operations and security management.