CVE-2023-46139 MEDIUM

CVE-2023-46139: KernelSU signature validation mismatch

Vendor Tiann
Product KernelSU
Weakness CWE-863 · Incorrect authorization
Published October 30, 2023
Last update September 5, 2024

CVSS base score

5.0/10
Attack vector Local
Attack complexity High
Privileges required Low
User interaction Required
Confidentiality Low
Integrity Low

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L

What the vulnerability does

01Description

KernelSU is a Kernel based root solution for Android. Starting in version 0.6.1 and prior to version 0.7.0, if a KernelSU installed device is infected with a malware whose app signing block specially constructed, it can take over root privileges on the device. The vulnerable verification logic actually obtains the signature of the last block with an id of `0x7109871a`, while the verification logic during Android installation is to obtain the first one. In addition to the actual signature upgrade that has been fixed (KSU thought it was V2 but was actually V3), there is also the problem of actual signature downgrading (KSU thought it was V2 but was actually V1). Find a condition in the signature verification logic that will cause the signature not to be found error, and KernelSU does not implement the same conditions, so KSU thinks there is a V2 signature, but the APK signature verification actually uses the V1 signature. This issue is fixed in version 0.7.0. As workarounds, keep the KernelSU manager installed and avoid installing unknown apps.

Key dates

02Disclosure timeline

October 30, 2023 CVE published
September 5, 2024 Record updated