CVE-2023-40117 is a high-severity elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting multiple versions of the Google Android operating system, specifically versions 11, 12, 12L, and 13. The vulnerability resides in the resetSettingsLocked method within the SettingsProvider.java component. This flaw allows a local attacker to bypass lockscreen protections due to a permissions bypass issue, classified under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization). Exploitation does not require any additional execution privileges beyond those already available to the attacker, nor does it require any user interaction, making it a particularly dangerous vulnerability. The vulnerability enables an attacker with limited privileges to escalate their access rights on the device, potentially gaining full control over sensitive settings or data. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with the attack vector being local (AV:L), requiring low attack complexity (AC:L), and low privileges (PR:L). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the published date, but the vulnerability's characteristics make it a critical concern for device security. The absence of a patch link suggests that remediation may still be pending or in progress, emphasizing the need for vigilance and interim protective measures.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for enterprises and government entities that rely on Android devices for secure communications, data access, and operational control. The ability to bypass lockscreen protections and escalate privileges locally can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate or governmental data, compromise of device integrity, and potential lateral movement within internal networks. This could result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of critical services. The impact is heightened in sectors where mobile device security is paramount, such as finance, healthcare, and public administration. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited by insiders or through physical access attacks, increasing the threat surface. Given the widespread use of Android devices across Europe, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of users and organizations, potentially undermining trust in mobile device security and complicating compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR.

1. Immediate deployment of official security patches from Google or device manufacturers as they become available is critical. Organizations should prioritize updating Android devices to patched versions. 2. Implement strict device management policies using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security configurations and restrict installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. 3. Enforce strong physical security controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to devices, as exploitation requires local access. 4. Monitor devices for unusual behavior indicative of privilege escalation attempts, including unexpected changes in settings or access patterns. 5. Educate users about the risks of leaving devices unattended and the importance of reporting lost or stolen devices promptly. 6. Where possible, limit the number of users with local privileges on devices and audit privilege assignments regularly. 7. Consider deploying additional endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block exploitation attempts targeting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. 8. For high-risk environments, consider isolating critical Android devices from less secure networks to reduce exposure.