CVE-2023-20990 : What You Need to Know

This article covers the details of CVE-2023-20990, a recently published vulnerability affecting Android devices.

Understanding CVE-2023-20990

CVE-2023-20990 is a security vulnerability found in the btm_ble_rand_enc_complete function of btm_ble.cc, which could potentially lead to an out-of-bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This vulnerability has the capability to result in local information disclosure, requiring system execution privileges for exploitation. Notably, user interaction is not necessary for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability. The affected product is Android, specifically version Android-13.

What is CVE-2023-20990?

CVE-2023-20990 is a security vulnerability in the btm_ble_rand_enc_complete function of btm_ble.cc, posing a risk of local information disclosure on Android devices running version Android-13.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20990

The impact of CVE-2023-20990 is the potential exposure of sensitive local information due to the out-of-bounds read vulnerability, which could be exploited by threat actors with system execution privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20990

The technical details of CVE-2023-20990 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the btm_ble_rand_enc_complete function of btm_ble.cc, where a missing bounds check leads to an out-of-bounds read, enabling potential local information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Android, particularly devices running Android-13, where this vulnerability can be exploited to disclose local information.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-20990 does not require user interaction and can be triggered by an attacker with system execution privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-20990 and enhance the security of affected Android devices, the following steps can be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the affected Android devices to the latest security patches provided by the official vendor.
Implement security best practices to mitigate the risk of local information disclosure vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security bulletins and updates from the Android platform to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address any security gaps proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the affected Android devices are promptly updated with the necessary security patches released by the vendor to prevent exploitation of CVE-2023-20990. Regularly check for and apply software updates to maintain a secure environment.