CVE-2024-40657 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/11/2024
In addPreferencesForType of AccountTypePreferenceLoader.java, there is a possible way to disable apps for other users due to a confused deputy. 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 • 12/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40657 resides within the AccountTypePreferenceLoader.java component of an Android system, specifically in the addPreferencesForType method. This flaw represents a confused deputy problem where an application or service incorrectly handles permissions and user contexts, allowing one user to potentially manipulate the preferences and settings of another user's account. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user identities and privilege levels during the preference loading process, creating a scenario where a malicious actor can exploit the system's trust model to gain unauthorized access to other users' application configurations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of user isolation within Android's security architecture. When the addPreferencesForType method processes account type preferences, it fails to properly verify the calling user's identity against the target user context. This confusion between deputy and principal creates a privilege escalation path where a lower-privileged user can manipulate system preferences intended for higher-privileged users or other accounts on the same device. The vulnerability operates at the system level where account preferences are loaded and processed, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect core system functionality and user data access controls. According to CWE-284, this represents an improper access control issue where the system fails to properly enforce user boundaries and privilege levels.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-40657 extends beyond simple preference manipulation to potentially enable complete system compromise through local privilege escalation. An attacker with access to a user account can leverage this vulnerability to disable applications that are configured for other users, effectively creating a denial of service condition that affects system functionality and user experience. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no additional execution privileges beyond basic user access and does not require user interaction to exploit. The lack of user interaction requirements means that this vulnerability can be exploited automatically through background processes or system services, making it a significant threat in environments where multiple users share the same device or system. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the use of local privilege escalation to gain elevated access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-40657 must focus on strengthening the permission verification mechanisms within the AccountTypePreferenceLoader component. System administrators and developers should implement robust user context validation that explicitly checks the calling process identity against the target user account before allowing preference modifications. The fix should enforce strict access control policies that prevent cross-user preference manipulation and ensure that system services properly isolate user contexts. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and user authentication checks within the addPreferencesForType method would prevent unauthorized access to other users' account configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual preference modification patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper privilege separation and user context handling in Android system components, particularly those dealing with account management and preference loading functions. Regular security audits of system services that handle user account information and preference settings are essential to identify and remediate similar confused deputy vulnerabilities that could lead to more severe security breaches.