CVE-2023-28153 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to an issue discovered in the Kiddoware Kids Place Parental Control application for Android before version 3.8.50. The vulnerability allows a child using the app to bypass restrictions without the parents' knowledge by rebooting into Android Safe Mode and disabling a specific permission.

Understanding CVE-2023-28153

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-28153, outlining what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-28153?

CVE-2023-28153 is a security flaw in the Kiddoware Kids Place Parental Control app that enables a child user to circumvent set restrictions temporarily without alerting the parents. This loophole occurs due to a specific permission that can be disabled by entering Android Safe Mode.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28153

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it compromises the effectiveness of the parental control features within the Kiddoware Kids Place app. It allows unauthorized access and unrestricted usage by the child, potentially exposing them to inappropriate content or activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28153

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-28153, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Kiddoware Kids Place Parental Control app facilitates the removal of all restrictions by a child through entering Android Safe Mode and disabling the "Display over other apps" permission. This action temporarily overrides the parental control settings.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system in this case is the Kiddoware Kids Place Parental Control application for Android versions earlier than 3.8.50. Users utilizing these versions are susceptible to the bypass vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-28153, a child with access to the Kiddoware Kids Place app simply needs to reboot the device into Android Safe Mode and disable the "Display over other apps" permission. This action grants them unimpeded access to activities and content within the app.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-28153 and prevent unauthorized bypass of parental controls.

Immediate Steps to Take

Parents and guardians should consider updating the Kiddoware Kids Place Parental Control app to version 3.8.50 or later to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring children's activities while using the app can help detect any unauthorized changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing regular security checks and updates for parental control applications can help maintain a secure digital environment for children. Educating both parents and children about safe usage practices is essential in preventing similar exploits.

Patching and Updates

Kiddoware should release patches that address the vulnerability in earlier versions of the Kids Place Parental Control app. Users are advised to download and apply these updates promptly to ensure the security and efficacy of the parental control features.