Root code execution via hidden fastboot command
Published Jan 15, 2024 · Updated Jun 17, 2025
Hidden functionality in PAX PayDroid 11.1.45_20230314 and earlier allows physically proximate attackers to execute code as root. The fastboot handler accepts the hidden oem paxassert command, then permits writes to the unsigned pax1 configuration partition whose space-containing values become kernel arguments. Physical USB access and fastboot mode are required; injected initrd arguments can start an attacker-supplied root filesystem with root privileges.
Summary
What happened
Hidden functionality in PAX PayDroid 11.1.45_20230314 and earlier allows physically proximate attackers to execute code as root. The fastboot handler accepts the hidden oem paxassert command, then permits writes to the unsigned pax1 configuration partition whose space-containing values become kernel arguments. Physical USB access and fastboot mode are required; injected initrd arguments can start an attacker-supplied root filesystem with root privileges.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-42134
- Published
- Jan 15, 2024
- Updated
- Jun 17, 2025
- Vendor
- Unknown vendor
- Product
- Unknown product
- Classifications
- CWE-912, CAPEC-549, T1200
- Attack vector
- physical
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jan 15, 2024CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Jun 17, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- PAX paxassert fastboot proof-of-concept scriptfunctional · demonstrated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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