CVE-2023-20991 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

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

Understanding CVE-2023-20991

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-20991, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-20991?

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20991 exists in the btm_ble_process_periodic_adv_sync_lost_evt function of ble_scanner_hci_interface.cc. It stems from a missing bounds check, leading to a possible out-of-bounds read. This flaw could be exploited to achieve local information disclosure, requiring System execution privileges for successful exploitation. Notably, user interaction is not necessary for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20991

The impact of CVE-2023-20991 centers on the potential for local information disclosure. With the exploitation of this vulnerability, an attacker could gain access to sensitive information on the affected system, posing a risk to confidentiality and potentially compromising user data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20991

This section delves deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20991, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in question arises due to a missing bounds check in the btm_ble_process_periodic_adv_sync_lost_evt function of ble_scanner_hci_interface.cc. This flaw can result in an out-of-bounds read, opening up the possibility of local information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system identified in this CVE is Android, specifically version Android-13. Users running Android-13 are at risk of exploitation through this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-20991, an attacker would need System execution privileges. By leveraging the missing bounds check in the btm_ble_process_periodic_adv_sync_lost_evt function, an attacker could potentially read out-of-bounds data, leading to local information disclosure.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we outline various steps that users and organizations can take to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-20991 and prevent exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations and users are advised to apply security patches as soon as they become available to address the vulnerability effectively.
Implementing stringent access controls and privilege management can help limit the impact of potential exploitation.
Regular monitoring and auditing of system activity can aid in the early detection of any unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employing threat intelligence feeds and staying informed about emerging security threats can enhance overall security preparedness.
Conducting regular security training and awareness programs can help users recognize and report suspicious activities promptly.
Regularly updating and patching software and systems can help address known vulnerabilities and strengthen overall defense mechanisms.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for users of the affected Android version (Android-13) to stay vigilant for security updates released by Google Android. Applying these patches promptly can help safeguard against exploitation of CVE-2023-20991 and other potential vulnerabilities.