CVE-2023-20989 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20989, which was published on March 24, 2023. The assigner organization for this CVE is Google Android.

Understanding CVE-2023-20989

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-20989, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-20989?

CVE-2023-20989 involves a vulnerability found in the btm_ble_write_adv_enable_complete function of btm_ble_gap.cc. The issue arises due to a missing bounds check, leading to a possible out-of-bounds read. Exploiting this vulnerability could result in local information disclosure, requiring system execution privileges. Notably, user interaction is not a prerequisite for exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20989

The impact of CVE-2023-20989 lies in the potential for local information disclosure, which could be exploited by threat actors with system execution privileges. This vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20989

In this section, we delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20989, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in question stems from a missing bounds check in the btm_ble_write_adv_enable_complete function of btm_ble_gap.cc. This flaw allows for a potential out-of-bounds read, opening doors to local information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted product in this CVE is Android, with the specific affected version being Android-13. Users operating on Android-13 are at risk of exploitation due to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-20989 requires no user interaction and necessitates system execution privileges. By leveraging the missing bounds check, threat actors can potentially carry out local information disclosure attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-20989, focusing on immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-20989, users are advised to apply security updates promptly, especially patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Exercise caution while operating on vulnerable versions of Android.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, it is crucial for organizations and users to prioritize cybersecurity measures, including regular software updates, security audits, and awareness training. Implementing robust security protocols can help prevent and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant about security bulletins and updates from Android is essential for safeguarding systems against vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20989. Ensuring prompt installation of patches can bolster the overall security posture of affected systems.