CVE-2023-20974 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published on March 24, 2023, and is associated with Google Android. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20974 involves a possible out-of-bounds read in the btm_ble_add_resolving_list_entry_complete function of btm_ble_privacy.cc. This flaw could potentially lead to local information disclosure, requiring system execution privileges but not user interaction for exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2023-20974

In this section, we will delve deeper into the details of CVE-2023-20974, understanding the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20974?

CVE-2023-20974 is a vulnerability found in Android affecting versions up to Android-13. It specifically involves an out-of-bounds read issue in the btm_ble_add_resolving_list_entry_complete function, which could potentially result in local information disclosure.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20974

The impact of CVE-2023-20974 is significant as it could allow an attacker to access sensitive information locally without requiring any user interaction. This could potentially lead to privacy breaches and confidential data exposure on affected Android devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20974

Now, let's explore the technical details of CVE-2023-20974, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the btm_ble_add_resolving_list_entry_complete function of btm_ble_privacy.cc allows for a possible out-of-bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This oversight could be exploited by threat actors to disclose sensitive information locally.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Android, with versions up to Android-13 being vulnerable to CVE-2023-20974. It is crucial for users of these versions to be aware of the potential risks associated with this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-20974, an attacker would require system execution privileges but would not need any user interaction. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning as it could be leveraged without the victim's involvement.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will discuss the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2023-20974 to enhance the security of affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators should apply security updates provided by Google for Android devices running vulnerable versions. Prompt patching is crucial to address the out-of-bounds read vulnerability and mitigate the risk of local information disclosure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing good security hygiene, such as regular software updates, threat monitoring, and secure coding practices, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Being proactive about security measures is essential for maintaining a secure digital environment.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security bulletins and updates released by Android is essential. By regularly applying patches and staying up-to-date with the latest security fixes, users can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20974.