CVE-2023-20946 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-20946, which was published on February 28, 2023, by Google Android as the assigning organization. The vulnerability involves a possible permission bypass in the onStart function of BluetoothSwitchPreferenceController.java. Exploiting this vulnerability could result in a remote escalation of privilege within the Bluetooth settings of Android devices, without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-20946

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-20946.

What is CVE-2023-20946?

CVE-2023-20946 involves a permission bypass vulnerability in the onStart function of BluetoothSwitchPreferenceController.java. This vulnerability could be exploited to achieve a remote escalation of privilege within the Bluetooth settings of affected Android devices.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20946

If successfully exploited, CVE-2023-20946 could allow an attacker to escalate their privileges remotely within the Bluetooth settings of Android devices. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access or control over sensitive Bluetooth-related functionality.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20946

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20946.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the onStart function of BluetoothSwitchPreferenceController.java is primarily a result of a confusion in permissions, potentially leading to a scenario where a malicious actor could bypass security measures and gain escalated privileges remotely.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product in this vulnerability is Android, with the following versions being impacted: Android-11, Android-12, Android-12L, and Android-13.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-20946 does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction. An attacker could leverage the vulnerability to escalate their privileges within the Bluetooth settings remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will discuss steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-20946.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply security patches promptly to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation. Additionally, users should exercise caution while interacting with Bluetooth settings on their Android devices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures and staying updated on security best practices can help reduce the risk of privilege escalation vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20946. Regular security audits and awareness training can further enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Users and administrators are advised to regularly check for security updates and patches provided by the device manufacturers and software vendors. Keeping devices up to date with the latest security fixes is crucial in mitigating the risk posed by CVE-2023-20946 and similar vulnerabilities.