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The vulnerability is located in the `grantAllowlistedPackagePermissions` method within the `SettingsSliceProvider.java` file of the Android framework. This method is designed to grant permissions to pre-approved packages for accessing and modifying secure system settings. However, due to a confused deputy flaw, it fails to properly validate and authenticate the calling application’s requests. A third-party app with no special privileges can craft a malicious intent or request that targets this provider. Since the SettingsSliceProvider operates with elevated privileges to handle secure settings, it inadvertently processes the malicious request as if it came from a trusted source. This allows the attacker to bypass normal permission checks and directly modify critical settings, such as security configurations or device policies, without user interaction. The attack exploits the provider’s trust model, where it assumes that the caller is authorized, leading to unauthorized changes. The core issue is the lack of caller identity verification and intent validation in the method, enabling privilege escalation. This vulnerability can be triggered locally by any installed application, requiring no additional execution rights, and can result in full system compromise by altering protected settings.
Platform: Android
Version: Multiple versions
Vulnerability: Confused deputy attack
Severity: Critical
date: 2025-12-08
Prediction: December 2025 patch
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Showing bash commands and codes related to the blog
Check Android security patch level
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
List installed packages for suspicious apps
adb shell pm list packages
Sample code snippet illustrating the flawed method (conceptual)
public void grantAllowlistedPackagePermissions(Uri uri, Bundle extras) {
// Missing caller identity check
modifySecureSettings(extras); // Vulnerable call
}
how Exploit:
Craft malicious intent targeting SettingsSliceProvider. Exploit confused deputy to modify secure settings. Achieve local privilege escalation.
Protection from this CVE
Apply Android security updates. Restrict app installations. Use verified boot.
Impact:
Local privilege escalation. Unauthorized settings modification. System compromise.
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
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