CVE-2024-34662 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 10/08/2024
Improper access control in ActivityManager prior to SMR Oct-2024 Release 1 in select Android 12, 13 and SMR Sep-2024 Release 1 in select Android 14 allows local attackers to execute privileged behaviors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw within the Android ActivityManager component that affects multiple Android versions including Android 12, 13, and Android 14. The issue stems from improper validation of privileges and permissions within the system's activity management framework, creating a pathway for local attackers to escalate their privileges and execute unauthorized operations. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices prior to the SMR October 2024 security release, indicating that it was identified and addressed in subsequent security updates. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, where inadequate privilege checks allow unauthorized access to protected resources. The ActivityManager serves as a core system component responsible for managing application lifecycle and inter-process communication, making any vulnerability in this area particularly dangerous as it can enable attackers to manipulate system behavior and potentially gain elevated privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through local attack vectors where malicious applications or processes running with standard user privileges can manipulate the ActivityManager to perform operations that should be restricted to system-level processes only. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute privileged behaviors such as launching system services, accessing protected system resources, or modifying system configurations without proper authorization. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can enable attackers to bypass the Android security model's fundamental isolation mechanisms. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a privilege escalation technique under T1068, where adversaries leverage software flaws to gain elevated system privileges. The flaw essentially allows attackers to circumvent the normal Android permission model and execute code with higher privileges than initially granted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for affected Android devices as it provides local attackers with capabilities that could lead to complete system compromise. An attacker with local access could potentially use this vulnerability to install persistent backdoors, modify system binaries, or access sensitive user data that should be protected by the system's security model. The vulnerability affects devices running Android 12, 13, and the affected Android 14 versions prior to the September 2024 security update, meaning a significant portion of the Android user base remains exposed. Organizations and individuals using affected devices face increased risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential surveillance capabilities being exploited by malicious actors. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where Android devices are used for business operations and may contain sensitive corporate data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the relevant security patches released by Google as part of the SMR October 2024 security update. Device administrators should prioritize updating affected Android devices to the latest security releases to address the access control flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all Android devices within their environment receive timely security updates. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting and device access restrictions to limit the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how seemingly minor access control flaws can have significant security implications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.