Android Pixel Privilege Escalation
CVE-2024-29748 is a high-severity improper handling of exceptional conditions vulnerability in Android from Google, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 2024-04-05_patch as the first without the flaw, so updating Android to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on April 4, 2024, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Android to 2024-04-05_patch or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
- Read the advisory on source.android.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Android kernel; before 2024-04-05_patch | 2024-04-05_patch | |
| pixel | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
there is a possible way to bypass due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions
The product does not handle or incorrectly handles an exceptional condition.
More Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions vulnerabilities (CWE-755)
Timeline
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- CVE record published.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2024-29748US Government Resource
Other vulnerabilities in Android
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
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