CVE-2024-40655 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/11/2024
In bindAndGetCallIdentification of CallScreeningServiceHelper.java, there is a possible way to maintain a while-in-use permission in the background due to a permissions bypass. 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-2024-40655 resides within the CallScreeningServiceHelper.java component of Android systems, specifically in the bindAndGetCallIdentification method. This flaw represents a critical permissions bypass issue that allows malicious applications to maintain persistent background access to sensitive call identification services. The vulnerability stems from inadequate permission checking mechanisms that fail to properly validate whether the calling application should retain access to call screening functionality while the system is in use. According to CWE-284, this represents an improper access control vulnerability where the system fails to enforce proper authorization checks for privileged operations. The flaw is particularly concerning because it enables local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges, making it a significant security concern for mobile device integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an application attempts to bind to the call screening service and retrieve call identification information. The bindAndGetCallIdentification method does not properly validate the calling application's permissions or enforce proper access controls during the binding process. This allows a malicious application to maintain ongoing access to call identification services even when it should not have such privileges. The flaw operates through a permission bypass mechanism where the system fails to properly revoke or restrict access rights after the initial binding operation. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, typically involving the user granting permissions to a malicious application or performing specific actions that trigger the vulnerable code path. This interaction requirement makes the attack more difficult to execute automatically but does not eliminate the serious security implications.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-40655 extends beyond simple data access violations to represent a potential pathway for comprehensive system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain persistent access to call identification information, which may include sensitive personal data, communication patterns, and potentially confidential information about the device user. The local privilege escalation capability means that an attacker could potentially access other system resources or services that are normally protected from unauthorized access. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation and represents a significant risk to mobile device security. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where call screening services may be used to monitor or control communication access, potentially exposing sensitive business communications or user privacy. The background persistence capability means that even after the initial exploitation, the malicious application could continue to access sensitive information without additional user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-40655 should focus on strengthening the permission validation mechanisms within the call screening service implementation. System administrators and device manufacturers should ensure that proper access control checks are enforced during the binding process and that permission revocation occurs appropriately when applications should not have continued access. The fix should implement stricter validation of calling application credentials and enforce proper isolation between different applications' access to call screening services. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, this vulnerability should be addressed through immediate patch deployment and comprehensive code review of similar permission handling mechanisms. Users should be advised to avoid granting unnecessary permissions to applications that request access to call screening services, and organizations should implement mobile device management policies that monitor and restrict access to potentially vulnerable system components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in service binding operations, making it a critical area for ongoing security auditing and code review processes.