CVE-2023-29766
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in CrossX v1.15.3 for Android allows a local attacker to escalate privileges by manipulating database files. The flaw enables unauthorized access to elevated permissions on affected devices. Only Android devices running this specific version of CrossX are impacted.
💻 Affected Systems
- CrossX
📦 What is this software?
Crossx by Appcrossx
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with physical or remote access to the device gains full administrative control, potentially accessing sensitive data, installing malware, or compromising the entire device.
Likely Case
Local malware or malicious apps exploit the vulnerability to gain elevated permissions, bypassing Android's security sandbox and accessing restricted data.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and file permission controls, exploitation would be limited to the app's own data, preventing system-wide compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to the device's file system. The vulnerability is in database file handling, making exploitation straightforward for attackers with file access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: v1.15.4 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/LianKee/SO-CVEs/blob/main/CVEs/CVE-2023-29766/CVE%20detailed.md
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Google Play Store 2. Search for CrossX 3. Update to latest version (v1.15.4+) 4. Restart device after update
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Uninstall CrossX
androidRemove the vulnerable application from affected devices
adb uninstall com.crossx.app
Settings > Apps > CrossX > Uninstall
Restrict app permissions
androidLimit CrossX's access to storage and other sensitive permissions
Settings > Apps > CrossX > Permissions > Disable Storage access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement strict app control policies to prevent unauthorized app installations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check CrossX version in Settings > Apps > CrossX > App Info. If version is exactly 1.15.3, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell dumpsys package com.crossx.app | grep versionNameVerify Fix Applied:
Verify CrossX version is 1.15.4 or higher in app settings. Check that database files have proper permissions (not world-readable/writable).📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to CrossX database files
- Permission escalation events in Android security logs
- Abnormal file operations in /data/data/com.crossx.app/
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from CrossX app after local file access
SIEM Query:
source="android_security" AND (event="PERMISSION_ESCALATION" OR app="com.crossx.app")