CVE-2024-34608 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2024
Improper access control in PaymentManagerService prior to SMR Aug-2024 Release 1 allows local attackers to bypass restrictions on starting services from the background.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-34608 represents a critical access control flaw within the PaymentManagerService component of Android systems prior to the SMR August 2024 security release. This issue stems from inadequate validation mechanisms that permit unauthorized local entities to circumvent intended service execution restrictions. The flaw specifically affects the background service startup permissions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute restricted operations without proper authorization. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from insufficient input validation or improper privilege checking within system-level components that handle financial transactions and payment processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper access control checks within the PaymentManagerService framework. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious background service requests that bypass the normal authorization flow. The flaw likely resides in the service manager's permission validation logic, where it fails to properly verify the calling context or user privileges before allowing service execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The service startup mechanism appears to lack proper sandboxing or context validation that would normally prevent unauthorized background execution, creating a persistent security gap that remains exploitable until the targeted security patch is applied.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within the Android ecosystem, particularly affecting devices that handle sensitive payment information and financial transactions. Local attackers with minimal privileges can potentially execute malicious background services that may intercept payment data, modify transaction processing, or escalate their privileges within the system. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by malware or malicious applications already present on the device. The risk is compounded by the fact that payment services typically operate with elevated privileges and sensitive data access, making this a high-value target for attackers. The vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can lead to unauthorized access to payment processing functions, potentially resulting in financial loss and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-34608 require immediate implementation of the SMR August 2024 security updates from Google, which address the specific access control flaws in PaymentManagerService. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring for unauthorized service execution patterns and maintain strict device management policies to prevent exploitation. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any devices running affected Android versions and ensure timely patch deployment. The fix typically involves strengthening permission validation checks and implementing proper context verification before allowing background service startup. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through service manipulation, making it a critical target for defensive measures. Regular security audits and proper access control configuration should be maintained to prevent similar issues from arising in other system components.