CVE-2024-40659: Critical flaw in getRegistration method of RemoteProvisioningService.java could permanently disable AndroidKeyStore key generation

Hello everyone! Today, we will be discussing a significant vulnerability with the CVE identifier, CVE-2024-40659, recently discovered in Android's RemoteProvisioningService.java class. This code flaw has been recognized as a potential threat to permanently disable the AndroidKeyStore key generation feature, resulting in a local denial of service (DoS) on affected devices.

Before diving into the details, let's understand the role of the RemoteProvisioningService.java and AndroidKeyStore in the Android security ecosystem. The RemoteProvisioningService is an integral part of the Android Key Chain, which manages cryptographic keys for users. The AndroidKeyStore, on the other hand, provides a secure storage mechanism for cryptographic keys, enabling developers to store their keys safely.

Now, onto the vulnerability. The flaw was found in the getRegistration method of the RemoteProvisioningService.java class, where improper input validation regarding attestation key updates for all installed apps leads to the permanent disabling of the AndroidKeyStore key generation feature. The worst part? No user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, and an attacker does not need any additional execution privileges.

Here is the affected code snippet in RemoteProvisioningService.java

private ProvisioningResult getRegistration(String packageName)
        throws RemoteException {
    ProvisioningResult status = new ProvisioningResult();
    ...
    // The following line has improper input validation
    Pair<AttestationKey, Certificate[]> keyCertPair = loadOrGenerateAttestationKey();
    ...
    return status;
}

The problem arises due to inadequate verification of the input received during the updating of attestation keys for installed apps. This opens the door for attackers to exploit the vulnerability and tamper with the cryptographic key generation, which could lead to data breaches and other security risks.

Here are some links to the original references for further information on this vulnerability

- Android Security Bulletin: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin
- Google Security Blog: https://security.googleblog.com
- CVE Details: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-40659

In conclusion, CVE-2024-40659 is a severe vulnerability in the Android security framework. Developers must take appropriate action to mitigate this threat by ensuring proper input validation while updating attestation keys and exercising caution when using the getRegistration method of RemoteProvisioningService.java. Users should regularly update their devices to stay protected from potential exploitation.

Stay vigilant and secure your Android applications and devices!

Timeline

Published on: 09/11/2024 00:15:11 UTC
Last modified on: 11/04/2024 18:35:10 UTC