Android ExternalStorageProvider File Path Filter Bypass via Incorrect Unicode Normalization (CVE-2024-43093)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTMobile devices running Android OS utilizing the ExternalStorageProvider component
Local attackers can bypass file path filters to access sensitive system directories, leading to local privilege escalation without requiring elevated execution privileges
Apply the Google Android March 2025 security patch and upgrade device firmware to the latest version
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
Apply the official security updates provided by Google and device OEMs (Security Patch Level March 2025 or later). For AOSP-based builds, apply the official patch commit using the following commands:
# Navigate to the Android platform frameworks base repository
cd frameworks/base
# Fetch and cherry-pick the official patch for CVE-2024-43093
git fetch https://android.googlesource.com/platform/frameworks/base 7f83c671626f9bf993581f4598c22482d87cba10
git cherry-pick 7f83c671626f9bf993581f4598c22482d87cba102. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If immediate patching is not feasible, restrict unauthorized application installations and disable ADB debugging via Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies.
# Disable ADB debugging on the device to mitigate local attack vectors
adb shell settings put global adb_enabled 0
# Block installation of applications from unknown sources
adb shell settings put secure install_non_market_apps 03. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Use the following shell script to verify the security patch level of connected Android devices:
#!/system/bin/sh
# Retrieve the current security patch level of the device
PATCH_DATE=$(getprop ro.build.version.security_patch)
echo 'Current Security Patch Level: ' $PATCH_DATE
YEAR=$(echo $PATCH_DATE | cut -d'-' -f1)
MONTH=$(echo $PATCH_DATE | cut -d'-' -f2)
if [ '$YEAR' -lt 2025 ] || { [ '$YEAR' -eq 2025 ] && [ '$MONTH' -lt 03 ]; }; then
echo '[WARNING] Device is vulnerable to CVE-2024-43093. Immediate update required.'
else
echo '[SAFE] Device security patch level is March 2025 or later.'
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Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability exists in the shouldHideDocument method of ExternalStorageProvider.java within the Android OS framework. The method is designed to filter and restrict user access to sensitive system directories and protected file paths. However, due to incorrect Unicode normalization (CWE-176), the file path validation logic can be bypassed. When processing input paths containing specific Unicode characters, the system fails to properly normalize the string before validation, allowing specially crafted paths to bypass the security filter.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
An attacker with local access can exploit this vulnerability through a malicious application installed on the target device. By invoking the document provider interface exposed by ExternalStorageProvider, the malicious app supplies a crafted file path containing Unicode characters that change representation after normalization. During the shouldHideDocument check, the path appears benign and bypasses the filter. Subsequently, when the file system resolves the path, the Unicode normalization converts it into a restricted directory (such as Android/data or Android/obb). This allows unauthorized read/write access to sensitive directories, leading to local privilege escalation.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
This vulnerability is highly critical and has been added to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating active exploitation in the wild. Successful exploitation allows attackers to break application sandboxing, access sensitive application data, or modify system configurations. In an enterprise environment, this poses a severe risk of data exfiltration, credential theft, and compromise of corporate mobile devices.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
In shouldHideDocument of ExternalStorageProvider.java, there is a possible bypass of a file path filter designed to prevent access to sensitive directories due to incorrect unicode normalization. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2024-43093)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2024-43093 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2024-43093 is rated CVSS 7.3 (HIGH) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 0.7%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2024-43093?
Primary impacted vendors include google across android. Scope summary: Android OS (Devices utilizing ExternalStorageProvider)
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2024-43093 before patching?
[Mitigation] Apply the Google Android March 2025 security patch and upgrade device firmware to the latest version Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
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