CVE-2023-21065 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record was published on March 24, 2023, and is related to an out of bounds write vulnerability in the Android kernel that could potentially lead to local privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2023-21065

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21065, covering what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-21065?

CVE-2023-21065 specifically refers to a vulnerability in the Android kernel that arises from an integer overflow in the fdt_next_tag function of fdt.c. This flaw could be exploited by attackers to achieve local privilege escalation without requiring any user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21065

The impact of CVE-2023-21065 is significant as it could allow malicious actors to escalate their privileges on the affected system, gaining access to System execution privileges. This type of vulnerability poses a serious security risk to Android devices running the affected versions.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21065

In this section, we will explore the technical details of CVE-2023-21065, including a description of the vulnerability, the affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in fdt_next_tag of fdt.c is caused by an integer overflow, leading to an out of bounds write issue. This can potentially be leveraged by attackers to manipulate system memory and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

The primary system affected by CVE-2023-21065 is Android, specifically devices running the Android kernel. The vulnerability status for this version is marked as 'affected,' indicating that devices with this configuration are at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21065 involves triggering the integer overflow in the fdt_next_tag function to overwrite memory beyond its allocated boundaries. By crafting specific inputs, attackers can achieve privilege escalation and execute unauthorized actions on the compromised system.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline the steps that users and organizations can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21065 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address the vulnerability, it is crucial to apply security updates and patches provided by the vendor promptly. Users should also exercise caution when interacting with untrusted sources or executing unfamiliar commands to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures such as regular security audits, leveraging intrusion detection systems, and following security best practices can enhance the overall resilience of systems against similar vulnerabilities in the long term.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security bulletins and updates released by the vendor, such as the Android Security Bulletin, is essential. Applying patches as soon as they are made available can help safeguard systems against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21065.