CVE-2024-49720 is a vulnerability identified in multiple functions within the Permissions.java file of Google Android operating system versions 13, 14, and 15. The root cause is a logic error that allows an attacker with local access to override the state of the user's location permissions. This flaw effectively bypasses the intended permission checks, enabling escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability falls under CWE-693, which relates to protection mechanism failures due to logic errors. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 indicates a high-severity issue with a local attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring low privileges, no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability could allow malicious actors or malware with local access to gain unauthorized control over location permissions, potentially exposing sensitive location data or enabling further privilege escalation. The absence of patch links suggests that fixes may still be pending or in development. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Android versions, which are widely deployed globally, increasing the potential attack surface.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-49720 is the unauthorized escalation of privileges related to location permissions on affected Android devices. This can lead to significant confidentiality breaches by exposing sensitive user location data to unauthorized applications or attackers. Integrity is compromised as attackers can manipulate permission states, potentially enabling further unauthorized actions or persistence mechanisms. Availability could also be affected if attackers leverage the elevated privileges to disrupt location-based services or system components. For organizations, this vulnerability poses risks to employee device security, especially in environments where location data is sensitive or used for compliance. Attackers with local access—such as through malicious apps, insider threats, or physical device access—can exploit this flaw without user interaction, increasing the risk of stealthy compromise. The widespread use of Android in consumer and enterprise environments globally amplifies the potential impact, particularly in sectors relying on location data for operational or security purposes.

To mitigate CVE-2024-49720, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Monitor for and apply official security patches from Google as soon as they become available to address the logic error in Permissions.java. 2) Enforce strict application installation policies to prevent untrusted or potentially malicious apps from gaining local access. 3) Utilize mobile device management (MDM) solutions to control app permissions and monitor for anomalous permission changes. 4) Limit physical and local access to devices, employing strong device authentication and encryption to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 5) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on permission management and privilege escalation vectors. 6) Educate users about the risks of installing unverified applications and the importance of device security hygiene. 7) Employ runtime protection tools that can detect and block unauthorized permission modifications. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling local access, monitoring permission states, and preparing for patch deployment.