CVE-2023-20917 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was published on March 24, 2023, by Google Android. It involves a vulnerability in onTargetSelected of ResolverActivity.java that could potentially lead to a local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges. The issue affects various versions of Android, including Android-11, Android-12, Android-12L, and Android-13.

Understanding CVE-2023-20917

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-20917, including what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-20917?

CVE-2023-20917 is a security vulnerability found in onTargetSelected of ResolverActivity.java in Android. The vulnerability arises from a logic error in the code that could allow an attacker to share a wrong file, leading to a local escalation of privilege. Importantly, this exploit does not require any user interaction to be carried out.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20917

The impact of CVE-2023-20917 is the potential escalation of privileges on the affected Android devices. This could enable threat actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or perform malicious actions on the compromised system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20917

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20917, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in onTargetSelected of ResolverActivity.java allows for the incorrect sharing of files, which can be exploited by attackers to escalate privileges locally on Android devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include Android-11, Android-12, Android-12L, and Android-13. Users operating these versions of Android are at risk of exploitation through CVE-2023-20917.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-20917 does not require user interaction. Attackers can leverage the logic error in the code to share a wrong file, ultimately leading to the escalation of privileges on the targeted Android device.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-20917 and prevent potential exploitation, users and organizations should take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should exercise caution when handling file sharing activities on Android devices.
Regularly update the Android operating system to the latest security patches provided by Google to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a robust mobile security policy that includes regular security audits and employee training on recognizing and reporting potential security vulnerabilities.
Utilize mobile device management (MDM) solutions to centrally manage and secure Android devices within an organization.

Patching and Updates

Google Android has likely released patches addressing CVE-2023-20917. It is crucial for users to promptly apply these patches to their affected devices to safeguard against potential exploits related to this vulnerability.