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CVE-2024-32896: Severe Privilege Escalation Flaw in Android Pixel Devices


Privilege Escalation Flaw in Android Pixel

Executive Summary

CVE-2024-32896 is a recently identified critical vulnerability affecting Android Pixel devices across multiple models and generations. This privilege escalation flaw within the device's firmware allows a local authenticated attacker to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with higher system privileges. Active exploitation of this vulnerability has been reported, necessitating immediate action to apply security updates and monitor device activity for any signs of malicious behavior.


Targeted Sectors and Countries

While specific Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups have not been definitively linked to CVE-2024-32896, the potential for exploitation spans various sectors and countries:

  • Sectors: Telecommunications, Government, Critical Infrastructure, Financial Services, Technology

  • Countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Japan


Privilege Escalation Flaw in Android Pixel - Technical Information

Vulnerability Overview

CVE-2024-32896 is a privilege escalation vulnerability identified within the firmware of Android Pixel devices. The flaw originates from a logic error in the code responsible for handling privilege escalation. This issue allows a local authenticated attacker to bypass security measures and obtain elevated privileges, which can be further exploited to execute arbitrary code with higher system privileges.


Severity and Impact

According to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), CVE-2024-32896 has been assigned a high severity rating. The vulnerability poses a significant threat as it compromises the security mechanisms designed to protect sensitive data and system integrity.


Technical Analysis

  • NVD: The NVD entry for CVE-2024-32896 highlights its critical nature due to the potential for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution NVD.

  • CVE Details: This vulnerability is described in the CVE Details database as a Privilege Escalation Flaw in Android Pixel, emphasizing its impact on the affected devices CVE Details.

  • Tenable Analysis: Tenable's documentation underscores the logic error that can be exploited to achieve privilege escalation, bypassing security measures Tenable.


Exploitation in the Wild

Active exploitation of CVE-2024-32896 has been documented, indicating its use in real-world attacks:

  • Google's Warning: Google has issued alerts regarding the active exploitation of this vulnerability as a zero-day. The June 2024 update addresses this flaw alongside numerous other vulnerabilities The Hacker News.

  • Rewterz Advisory: Rewterz reports that this vulnerability allows a local authenticated attacker to gain elevated privileges, which could lead to further exploitation Rewterz.

  • CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog: The vulnerability is listed in the CISA catalog, highlighting its potential exploitation in critical infrastructure and government sectors CISA.


APT Groups using this Vulnerability

Currently, no specific Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups have been publicly attributed to the exploitation of CVE-2024-32896. However, given its active exploitation as a zero-day, it is plausible that both state-sponsored and criminal actors could leverage this vulnerability for targeted attacks across various sectors.


Affected Product Versions

The following Google Pixel device models are confirmed to be affected by CVE-2024-32896:

  • Pixel 4a

  • Pixel 5

  • Pixel 5a

  • Pixel 6

  • Pixel 6 Pro

  • Pixel 6a

  • Pixel 7

  • Pixel 7 Pro

Additional details about the affected versions are available in the June 2024 update bulletin by Google Android Open Source Project.


Workaround and Mitigation

To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2024-32896, the following steps are recommended:

  1. Apply Security Updates: Ensure that the latest security patches provided in the June 2024 update bulletin by Google are applied to all affected devices Android Open Source Project.

  2. Monitor Device Activity: Regularly monitor device activity for any signs of unusual behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts.

  3. Use Security Solutions: Employ mobile security solutions capable of detecting and preventing privilege escalation attempts.


References

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