App can start activity from background without permission

platform/frameworks/base Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

01/12/2023
Yes i
High
Not published

CVE-2023-40079: In injectSendIntentSender of ShortcutService.java, there is a possible background activity launch due to a permissions bypass. Affects platform/frameworks/base across 2 version ranges.

>= 14:0, < 14:2023-12-01 >= 14-next:0, < 14-next:2023-12-01

Fixed in 14-next:2023-12-01. How to fix ↓

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Background

The package under scrutiny is platform/frameworks/base in the Android ecosystem. This package is a fundamental part of the Android operating system and provides core functionalities and services. It includes components such as activities, services, and content providers that are essential for the functioning of Android applications. However, a vulnerability has been identified in this package that allows an app to start an activity from the background without requiring any permission.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as ASB-A-278722815, resides in the injectSendIntentSender method of ShortcutService.java. It allows for a permissions bypass, enabling the launch of a background activity. This vulnerability can be exploited to escalate privileges locally without needing additional execution privileges. Notably, user interaction is not required for exploitation. The impact of this vulnerability can be significant, as it can potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or the execution of malicious actions.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

14-next:2023-12-01

This is the first release that contains the fix.

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Workaround

No workaround has been mentioned for this vulnerability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the platform/frameworks/base package in the Android ecosystem is vulnerable to a permissions bypass that allows an app to start an activity from the background without requiring any permission. This vulnerability can be exploited to escalate privileges locally, potentially leading to unauthorized access or malicious actions. It is recommended to apply the provided fix to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for platform/frameworks/base →

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FAQ

This vulnerability allows an app to start an activity from the background without requiring any permission. It can potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or the execution of malicious actions.

No, user interaction is not needed for exploitation of this vulnerability.

The platform/frameworks/base package in the Android ecosystem is affected by this vulnerability.

This vulnerability is classified as High severity.

More information about this vulnerability can be found in the Open Source Vulnerability database at the following URL: https://storage.googleapis.com/android-osv/ASB-A-278722815.json

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for platform/frameworks/base.

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How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

14-next:2023-12-01

This is the first release that contains the fix.

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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