CVE-2023-21013 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record highlights a vulnerability in Android, specifically in the

forceStaDisconnection

function of

hostapd.cpp

. The vulnerability could potentially result in an out-of-bounds read due to a missing bounds check, leading to local information disclosure. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires system execution privileges, and user interaction is not necessary for the exploitation to occur.

Understanding CVE-2023-21013

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21013, focusing on the nature of the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21013?

CVE-2023-21013 is a security flaw found in the

forceStaDisconnection

function of

hostapd.cpp

in Android. It poses a risk of allowing an out-of-bounds read, potentially leading to local information disclosure.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21013

The exploitation of this vulnerability could enable threat actors to gain access to sensitive information on affected systems, compromising confidentiality and security. Due to the required system execution privileges, the impact could be severe if exploited.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21013

In this section, we will explore the technical details related to CVE-2023-21013, including vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in

forceStaDisconnection

of

hostapd.cpp

lacks a proper bounds check, allowing for potential out-of-bounds read operations. This flaw can be leveraged to disclose local information, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product in this case is Android, specifically version Android-13. Systems running this version are at risk of exploitation unless appropriate measures are taken to mitigate the vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21013 requires system execution privileges but does not depend on user interaction. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information on affected Android systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this final section, we will discuss immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates in mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-21013.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-21013, it is crucial to apply security updates provided by the vendor promptly. Additionally, restricting access to vulnerable systems and monitoring for any suspicious activities is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a robust security posture that includes regular security assessments, access control mechanisms, and security awareness training can help enhance overall resilience against potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21013.

Patching and Updates

Vendor-provided patches and updates play a critical role in addressing known vulnerabilities. Organizations and users should prioritize the installation of security patches to ensure their systems are protected against exploits targeting CVE-2023-21013.