CVE-2023-29736
📋 TL;DR
Keyboard Themes 1.275.1.164 for Android contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows unauthorized apps to write arbitrary files to its internal storage. This can lead to arbitrary code execution with the app's permissions. Only users of this specific Android keyboard theme app version are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Keyboard Themes
📦 What is this software?
Keyboard Themes by Timmystudios
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise through arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing data theft, surveillance, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Malicious app could overwrite configuration files to inject malicious code, leading to privilege escalation and data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and security controls, impact limited to the app's own data and permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the same device. The vulnerability is well-documented in public repositories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Update to latest version from Google Play Store
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/LianKee/SO-CVEs/blob/main/CVEs/CVE-2023-29736/CVE%20detail.md
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Google Play Store
2. Search for 'Keyboard Themes'
3. If update available, tap 'Update'
4. Restart device after update completes
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Uninstall vulnerable app
androidRemove the vulnerable Keyboard Themes app completely
adb uninstall com.keyboard.themes.package
Disable app permissions
androidRevoke all permissions from Keyboard Themes app
adb shell pm revoke com.keyboard.themes.package android.permission.*
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Uninstall Keyboard Themes app immediately
- Use alternative keyboard apps from trusted developers
- Enable Google Play Protect and keep it updated
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check app version in Settings > Apps > Keyboard Themes > App infoCheck Version:
adb shell dumpsys package com.keyboard.themes.package | grep versionNameVerify Fix Applied:
Verify app version is no longer 1.275.1.164 after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file write operations in Keyboard Themes app directory
- Permission escalation attempts from keyboard app
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network connections originating from keyboard app
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" app="Keyboard Themes" (event="file_write" OR event="permission_change")