CVE-2023-38458
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-38458 is a missing permission check vulnerability in vowifiservice that allows local attackers to escalate privileges without requiring additional execution privileges. This affects systems running vulnerable versions of vowifiservice, typically on Unisoc-based devices. Attackers can gain elevated access to system resources they shouldn't normally have.
💻 Affected Systems
- vowifiservice
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local attacker gains full system control, installs persistent malware, accesses sensitive data, and compromises the entire device.
Likely Case
Local user or malware gains elevated privileges to modify system settings, access protected data, or install unauthorized applications.
If Mitigated
Attack fails due to proper access controls, SELinux policies, or the vulnerability being patched before exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access but no special privileges. Missing permission checks typically make exploitation straightforward once the vulnerable component is identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not specified in provided references; check vendor advisory for specific patched versions.
Vendor Advisory: https://www.unisoc.com/en_us/secy/announcementDetail/1698296481653522434
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check device manufacturer for security updates. 2. Apply available security patches from device vendor. 3. Reboot device after patch installation. 4. Verify patch application through version checks.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict vowifiservice permissions
linuxModify SELinux/AppArmor policies to restrict vowifiservice access if supported by device.
# Check current SELinux context: ls -Z /system/bin/vowifiservice
# Modify policies based on device security framework
Disable vowifiservice if not needed
linuxDisable the vulnerable service if device functionality allows.
# Check if service is running: ps aux | grep vowifiservice
# Disable service if possible (device-specific commands)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check vowifiservice version and compare against vendor patched versions. Examine service permissions and access controls.Check Version:
# Check vowifiservice version: strings /system/bin/vowifiservice | grep -i versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify vowifiservice has been updated to patched version and test privilege escalation attempts fail.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
- vowifiservice process spawning with elevated privileges
- Access violations in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
process_name:"vowifiservice" AND (privilege_change OR uid_change)