CVE-2024-27222 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
In onSkipButtonClick of FaceEnrollFoldPage.java, there is a possible way to access the file the app cannot access due to Intent Redirect GRANT_URI_PERMISSIONS Attack. 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 • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27222 resides within the FaceEnrollFoldPage.java component of a mobile application, specifically in the onSkipButtonClick method. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that allows for unauthorized file access through improper intent handling mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes user interactions during face enrollment procedures, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the intent redirect functionality. The issue stems from inadequate permission management during intent processing, where the application fails to properly validate or restrict URI permissions when redirecting intents to other components. This particular vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access controls. The attack vector leverages the GRANT_URI_PERMISSIONS mechanism within Android's intent system, where the application inadvertently grants broader access permissions than intended.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. This means an attacker can exploit the vulnerability simply by triggering the specific button click event, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where applications often have elevated privileges. The lack of user interaction requirement significantly reduces the attack surface and increases exploitability, as the vulnerability can be triggered automatically or through other compromised components within the same application. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially access files or resources that the application should not be permitted to access, creating a pathway for information disclosure and potential further compromise of the device.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as particularly concerning due to its ability to enable privilege escalation without additional attack vectors. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' and T1552, covering 'Unsecured Credentials.' The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate access control implementation within the Android application's intent handling framework. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessment frameworks, particularly for applications handling sensitive biometric data or personal information. The impact is further compounded by the fact that the vulnerability exists within a face enrollment process, which typically involves handling sensitive user data and may be used in security-critical applications such as authentication systems or enterprise security solutions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper intent validation and URI permission handling within the application's intent processing components. Developers must ensure that all intent redirects properly validate the target components and restrict URI permissions to only those necessary for legitimate functionality. The recommended approach includes implementing explicit permission checks before granting URI access, using the FLAG_GRANT_READ_URI_PERMISSION and FLAG_GRANT_WRITE_URI_PERMISSION flags appropriately, and avoiding blanket permission granting mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and validation within the onSkipButtonClick method would prevent malicious intent redirection. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection mechanisms and regular security code reviews focusing on intent handling and permission management to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases.