CVE-2024-31316 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2024
In onResult of AccountManagerService.java, there is a possible way to perform an arbitrary background activity launch due to parcel mismatch. 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 • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31316 resides within the AccountManagerService.java component of an Android system, specifically in the onResult method implementation. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for unauthorized background activity launching through a parcel mismatch condition. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of parcel data structures during the account management process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate system behavior without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges beyond what is already granted to the compromised application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the AccountManagerService processes result data through the onResult method, where the parcel data structure fails to properly validate the integrity of incoming parameters. This parcel mismatch allows attackers to inject malicious intent into the system's account management flow, potentially enabling arbitrary background activity launches that can execute with elevated privileges. The flaw operates at the system level where account management services interact with other system components, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction, making it a passive threat that can be exploited silently in the background.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for local privilege escalation attacks, where an attacker with minimal initial access can potentially gain elevated system privileges without additional exploitation steps. The attack surface is broad as it affects core account management functionality that is integral to system operations. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile environments where applications may run continuously in the background. Security researchers have classified this issue as a high-severity threat due to its potential for privilege escalation and the ease of exploitation without user involvement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-31316 should focus on implementing robust parcel validation mechanisms within the AccountManagerService component. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches from device manufacturers and ensure timely updates to Android system components. The fix typically involves strengthening input validation procedures in the onResult method to properly verify parcel data integrity before processing. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation within account management services can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual background activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while following industry best practices for secure coding and input validation as recommended by CWE standards. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting system-level privileges through service manipulation.