CVE-2024-0048 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In Session of AccountManagerService.java, there is a possible method to retain foreground service privileges due to incorrect handling of null responses. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0048 resides within the AccountManagerService.java component of an Android system, specifically affecting how session management handles null responses during foreground service privilege retention. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows local attackers to escalate their privileges without requiring additional execution rights or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where unauthorized privilege escalation can lead to complete system compromise. The issue stems from improper null response handling mechanisms that fail to adequately validate session states, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors seeking to exploit foreground service privileges. The vulnerability operates at the system level where AccountManagerService manages user account sessions and foreground service lifecycle, making it a core component in Android's security architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the AccountManagerService's session management logic failing to properly check for null responses when handling foreground service operations. When a session is processed, the system should validate that all response objects are properly initialized before proceeding with privilege retention operations. However, the current implementation allows null responses to propagate through the system, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate session states and maintain elevated privileges beyond their intended scope. This flaw directly relates to CWE-476 which describes NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerabilities, where the system fails to properly handle null values in critical security operations. The improper handling creates a state where foreground service privileges can be retained indefinitely, bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent such privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0048 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables attackers to maintain persistent access to system resources that should normally be restricted to authorized processes. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, this vulnerability can be leveraged by malware or malicious applications already present on the device to gain elevated privileges automatically. The attack surface includes scenarios where an application could use this vulnerability to maintain foreground service status, access protected system resources, or potentially escalate to full system control. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' and specifically addresses methods for maintaining elevated privileges without requiring additional user actions or execution privileges. The persistent nature of foreground service privileges makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can remain active even after normal application termination.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0048 should focus on implementing proper null response validation within the AccountManagerService session handling logic. System administrators and developers should ensure that all session response objects are validated before privilege retention operations occur, implementing comprehensive null checks that prevent null responses from propagating through the system. The fix should include robust error handling mechanisms that properly terminate or reject invalid session states rather than allowing null responses to create security vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar null handling issues in other system components, particularly those managing foreground services or privilege escalation operations. The implementation of input validation and proper state management checks will address the root cause of this vulnerability while maintaining system functionality and security boundaries. Organizations should also consider applying security patches promptly when available and implementing monitoring systems to detect anomalous foreground service behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.