CVE-2024-40652 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/11/2024
In onCreate of SettingsHomepageActivity.java, there is a possible way to access the Settings app while the device is provisioning due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40652 resides within the SettingsHomepageActivity.java component of an Android application, specifically in the onCreate method where a critical permission check is absent during device provisioning phases. This flaw represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to system settings while the device is in its initial setup or provisioning state. The missing permission validation creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can gain elevated privileges without requiring additional execution rights, making this particularly concerning for security-sensitive environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms during the device provisioning process, where the application fails to verify proper authorization before granting access to sensitive system components. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-284: Improper Access Control, which specifically addresses weaknesses in authorization and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the Android framework, where the provisioning state should typically restrict access to system settings to prevent unauthorized modifications during critical setup phases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates potential attack vectors for malicious actors who can exploit the provisioning window to modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points. The requirement for user interaction indicates that while the exploit cannot be automated, it can be triggered through social engineering or physical access scenarios where users might be induced to interact with the device during provisioning. This attack surface aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive permission checks within the onCreate method of SettingsHomepageActivity.java, ensuring that access to system settings is restricted during device provisioning phases. Security patches should enforce proper authorization mechanisms that validate user credentials and device state before granting access to sensitive system components. Additionally, developers should implement runtime checks that verify the current provisioning status and enforce appropriate access controls. The fix should align with Android security best practices and ensure that no unauthorized access can occur during critical system setup phases, thereby preventing potential exploitation scenarios that could lead to full system compromise.