CVE-2024-49733
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a malicious Android app to hide a notification listener service (NLS) from the device's Settings menu due to a logic error in ServiceListing.java. This could lead to local information disclosure without requiring user interaction or additional privileges. Android devices running affected versions are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A malicious app could persistently hide its notification listener service, allowing it to silently monitor notifications and access sensitive information without user awareness.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could hide their notification access from users, making it harder to detect and remove apps that are monitoring notifications.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, the risk is limited as malicious apps would need to be installed first.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the device.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: January 2025 Android security update
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2025-01-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install the January 2025 security update. 3. Restart the device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable unknown sources
androidPrevent installation of apps from unknown sources to reduce risk of malicious apps.
Settings > Security > Install unknown apps > Disable for all apps
Review notification access
androidRegularly check and revoke notification access for suspicious apps.
Settings > Apps & notifications > Special app access > Notification access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) to control app installations
- Educate users about only installing apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version. If patch level is earlier than January 2025, the device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > About phone > Android version > Security patch levelVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the security patch level shows 'January 1, 2025' or later in Settings > About phone > Android version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual notification listener service registrations
- Apps requesting notification access without user prompts
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
No specific SIEM query - monitor for suspicious app installations and notification access requests