CVE-2024-34738 Overview
CVE-2024-34738 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Android AppOpsService.java component. A logic error in multiple functions allows unprivileged apps to read their own restrictRead app-op states. The flaw affects Android 13 and 14. Exploitation requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges beyond running as an unprivileged app on the device. Google addressed the issue in the Android Security Bulletin August 2024.
Critical Impact
A local, unprivileged app can read protected app-op states that should be restricted, enabling local escalation of privilege on affected Android devices.
Affected Products
- Google Android 13.0
- Google Android 14.0
- Devices running Android builds prior to the August 2024 security patch level
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-01 - Android Security Bulletin published fix reference
- 2024-08-15 - CVE-2024-34738 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-34738
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in AppOpsService.java, part of the Android framework that manages application operation (app-op) permissions. App-ops track granular runtime permission states that gate access to sensitive resources such as location, microphone, and background activity. Certain app-ops carry a restrictRead designation, which limits which callers can query their state.
A logic error in multiple AppOpsService functions fails to enforce the restrictRead constraint consistently. As a result, an unprivileged app can query its own restricted app-op states through code paths that should reject the request. Exposing these states leaks information the app should not be permitted to observe, and the framework treats subsequent decisions based on that state as trusted. This maps to [CWE-266] Incorrect Privilege Assignment.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incorrect authorization checks on the read paths for app-ops flagged as restrictRead. The affected functions rely on caller identity assumptions that do not hold for arbitrary unprivileged apps. The upstream fix in commit 21d764807b3dcd402d63e2b4c9fbae1c9965400a tightens these checks across the affected functions in the framework base.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local. A malicious or compromised application installed on the device invokes the affected AppOpsService interfaces to read its own restrictRead app-op states. The information returned enables the app to elevate its effective privileges within the framework's permission model. No user interaction is required, and the attacker does not need to escape a sandbox before triggering the flaw.
A proof-of-concept exploit is not publicly available. See the Android Source Code Update for the exact framework changes that close the read paths.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-34738
Indicators of Compromise
- Installed applications making unexpected calls into AppOpsService read APIs, particularly for app-ops tagged restrictRead.
- Apps whose behavior changes after querying app-op state, such as accessing resources previously blocked by runtime policy.
- Devices reporting a security patch level earlier than 2024-08-01 while running Android 13 or 14.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory managed Android fleets and flag devices with pre-August 2024 security patch levels using MDM or UEM telemetry.
- Review installed applications for suspicious permission-probing behavior and unexpected framework API usage.
- Monitor Google Play Protect and enterprise mobile threat defense findings for apps flagged as abusing app-op interfaces.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enforce minimum Android patch level policies through MDM compliance rules and block enrollment of non-compliant devices.
- Ingest mobile device posture and application inventory into a centralized analytics pipeline to correlate outdated builds with risky apps.
- Track vendor OEM rollout of the August 2024 Android security bulletin, since carrier and OEM patch cadence varies.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-34738
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Android security patch level 2024-08-01 or later on all Android 13 and Android 14 devices.
- Prioritize patch deployment for devices with sideloading enabled or with access to sensitive enterprise data.
- Restrict installation of applications to vetted sources through MDM policy while patches propagate across the fleet.
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the Android Security Bulletin August 2024. The framework change is available in the AOSP commit 21d764807b3dcd402d63e2b4c9fbae1c9965400a. OEMs incorporate the fix into their own monthly security updates; users should install the latest update offered by the device manufacturer or carrier.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists. Applying the vendor patch is the only complete remediation.
- Reduce exposure by limiting app installation to Google Play and removing unused or untrusted applications.
- Enforce enterprise policies that block installation of apps requesting broad or unusual permission sets on unpatched devices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
