CVE-2023-20918 - Elevation of Privilege in Android's ActivityOptions.java due to Confused Deputy

Security vulnerabilities in Android applications can lead to severe consequences for affected users, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, elevation of privileges, and data tampering. One such vulnerability recently discovered is CVE-2023-20918, which is found in the source code of Android's ActivityOptions.java. This article provides a detailed overview of the underlying issue, including code snippets, links to original references, exploit details, and possible mitigation measures.

Background on the Issue

In the getPendingIntentLaunchFlags method within ActivityOptions.java, there is a possible elevation of privilege; this means unauthorized access to sensitive information or an ability to perform actions typically available only to privileged users. A confused deputy attack (CDA) is at the heart of this vulnerability, and it requires no additional execution privileges to exploit.

A confused deputy is a situation where a program (the deputy) incorrectly uses privileges granted by its caller, usually due to misinformation from a malicious entity. In this instance, the confused deputy is the getPendingIntentLaunchFlags method in ActivityOptions.java.

Here's a snippet of the vulnerable code

public int getPendingIntentLaunchFlags() {
    return mLaunchStackId >  ? mLaunchStackId :
           mPendingIntentLaunchFlags & PRIVATE_FLAGS_MASK;
}

This code has a logical error that could be exploited by a malicious actor, leading to unauthorized elevation of privileges, which is usually difficult to detect.

Exploit Details

An attacker can exploit CVE-2023-20918 by sending a crafted PendingIntentLaunchFlags request to the affected Android application. The vulnerability does not require any user interaction, making it easier to exploit. Once the request is successfully processed by the getPendingIntentLaunchFlags method, it could lead to an elevation of privilege, allowing the attacker to access sensitive data or execute unauthorized actions.

Links to Original References

For more information about CVE-2023-20918 and its implications, you can refer to the following resources:
- Vulnerability Details on NVD
- Report of the Issue on Android Open Source Project (AOSP)

Possible Mitigation Measures

To protect yourself from this vulnerability, it is essential to keep your Android applications up-to-date. Specifically, pay attention to security patches released by Google or your device manufacturer. You should also avoid installing untrusted applications from third-party app stores, as they may potentially contain malware.

Developers should be aware of this vulnerability and apply the necessary updates to address it when they receive a patch from the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).

Conclusion

CVE-2023-20918 is a serious vulnerability that can potentially lead to unauthorized elevation of privileges in Android applications. The confused deputy attack at the core of this issue requires no additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it difficult to identify and prevent. However, by staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, users and developers can help mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.

Timeline

Published on: 07/13/2023 00:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 07/25/2023 18:02:00 UTC