CVE-2024-40650 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/11/2024
In wifi_item_edit_content of styles.xml , there is a possible FRP bypass due to Missing check for FRP state. 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-2024-40650 represents a critical security flaw within the wifi_item_edit_content component of styles.xml configuration files. This issue falls under the category of Firmware Reinstallation Protocol bypass, where the system fails to properly validate the FRP state during content modification operations. The vulnerability exists in the Android operating system's framework where the device's firmware protection mechanisms are not adequately enforced during routine administrative tasks. The flaw allows for unauthorized privilege escalation by exploiting a missing validation check that should verify the device's FRP status before permitting content modifications. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the device's security architecture where the protection mechanisms designed to prevent unauthorized firmware reinstallation are bypassed through seemingly benign administrative operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper state verification within the wifi_item_edit_content function. When a user or application attempts to modify wireless configuration content, the system should verify that the device is in a proper FRP state before allowing the operation to proceed. However, the current implementation omits this crucial validation step, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate the wireless configuration without proper authorization. The flaw operates at the system level where the FRP state checking mechanism is either completely absent or improperly implemented, allowing any local process to bypass the normal security protocols that would normally prevent such modifications. This represents a classic case of insufficient validation and proper state management within the Android security framework.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-40650 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full device compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive network configurations. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate wireless settings without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction, making the attack vector particularly dangerous. The local escalation of privilege achieved through this flaw means that any process running with standard user permissions can potentially gain administrative access to modify critical system configurations. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-362, which addresses the weakness of concurrent execution using shared resource access, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the use of local privilege escalation techniques. The implications for enterprise security are significant as this vulnerability could allow attackers to establish persistent network access points or modify device configurations to facilitate further attacks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires no user interaction, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. Attackers can leverage this flaw to modify wireless network settings, potentially redirecting device traffic through malicious networks or disabling security features. The bypass of FRP protection mechanisms means that even devices that should be protected against unauthorized firmware reinstallation can be compromised. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly for devices that handle sensitive data or operate in controlled environments where network access control is critical. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability suitable for automated exploitation and potentially for zero-day attacks where the vulnerability can be weaponized without prior user awareness or consent. Mitigation efforts should focus on immediate patch deployment and verification of device integrity, as well as monitoring for unauthorized network configuration changes that may indicate exploitation attempts.