CVE-2023-20987 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record, assigned by Google Android, relates to a vulnerability in the Android system that could potentially lead to local information disclosure over Bluetooth with system execution privileges required. The vulnerability was published on March 24, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-20987

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-20987, outlining the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-20987?

CVE-2023-20987 specifically pertains to a flaw in the "btm_read_link_quality_complete" function in "btm_acl.cc" within the Android operating system. The vulnerability arises from a lack of proper bounds checking, which could result in an out-of-bounds read. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to local information over Bluetooth, provided they have system execution privileges. Notably, no user interaction is required for exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20987

The impact of CVE-2023-20987 is significant as it can lead to local information disclosure, potentially exposing sensitive data to unauthorized entities. Given the exploit's requirements, attackers with system execution privileges can abuse this vulnerability to gather information without detection.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20987

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20987, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the "btm_read_link_quality_complete" function in "btm_acl.cc" lacks adequate bounds checking, enabling an out-of-bounds read operation. This oversight facilitates potential information disclosure over Bluetooth connectivity.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Android, with the specific vulnerable version being Android-13. Systems running Android-13 are deemed impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-20987, an attacker would require system execution privileges. By leveraging the lack of bounds checking in the vulnerable function, attackers can execute malicious actions to retrieve local information over Bluetooth.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps that individuals and organizations can take to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-20987 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

In response to CVE-2023-20987, users and administrators should prioritize implementing security measures to safeguard against potential attacks. This may include monitoring Bluetooth connections, restricting privileges on the affected system, and staying informed about security updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining strong security practices, such as regular security audits, threat assessments, and employee training on cybersecurity best practices, can help enhance overall resilience against vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20987.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to stay informed about security patches and updates released by the product vendor. Applying relevant patches promptly can address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20987 and bolster the security posture of the affected systems.