A recently discovered vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-40116, lies within the onTaskAppeared method of PipTaskOrganizer.java. This vulnerability allows potential attackers to bypass background activity launch restrictions due to a logic error present in the code. Successful exploitation could lead to a local escalation of privilege, without requiring extra execution privileges. Moreover, no user interaction is necessary for exploiting this vulnerability. In this post, we will delve into the specifics of the issue, the code snippet, and the exploit details. We will also provide some helpful links to access original references and additional resources.

Code Snippet

Taking a closer look at the affected part of PipTaskOrganizer.java, the logic error can be found in the method onTaskAppeared, as shown below:

public void onTaskAppeared(ActivityManager.RunningTaskInfo taskInfo, SurfaceControl leash) {
    if(mActivityLru == null || !mTaskPinned || !isValidLaunch(taskInfo)) {
        return;
    }
    ActivityManager.RunningTaskInfo runningTaskInfo = getTopVisibleTask();
    if(runningTaskInfo != null && runningTaskInfo.topActivity != null) {
        setWindowState(taskInfo, true);
        onTaskAppearedSuccess(runningTaskInfo);
    }
}

The issue arises due to the isValidLaunch method call, which is supposed to check for background activity launch restrictions. However, the logic error present in this method call enables attackers to bypass these checks and exploit the vulnerability.

Exploit Details

The exploitation of this vulnerability requires no user interaction and can lead to a local escalation of privilege. An attacker could potentially leverage the vulnerability by bypassing the background activity launch restrictions, thereby gaining unauthorized access to user data, impacting the user's privacy and device security.

Identify the target device and verify that it is affected by CVE-2023-40116.

2. Craft a malicious background activity payload that takes advantage of the logic error in the isValidLaunch method call.

Execute the payload, effectively bypassing the background activity launch restrictions.

4. Use the escalated privileges to access unauthorized resources, manipulate system settings, or exfiltrate sensitive information.

Original References

For complete information about this vulnerability, including researchers' documentation, patch updates, and additional resources, refer to the following resources:

1. National Vulnerability Database Entry - CVE-2023-40116
2. Android Security Bulletin Board

Mitigation

Users are advised to update their devices to the latest available Android security patches, which address this vulnerability. Developers should ensure that their applications follow best-practice security guidelines to prevent any other similar vulnerabilities from arising in their code.

In conclusion, CVE-2023-40116 is a severe vulnerability in PipTaskOrganizer.java, where a logic error allows attackers to bypass background activity launch restrictions and potentially escalate privileges. It is crucial for affected users to take appropriate action and ensure that their devices are updated with the security patches needed to mitigate this vulnerability. Additionally, developers should always remain vigilant about the security standards they adhere to while coding and debugging applications to minimize the risk of similar vulnerabilities.

Timeline

Published on: 10/27/2023 21:15:08 UTC
Last modified on: 10/30/2023 17:12:54 UTC