CVE-2023-21069 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published on March 24, 2023, by Google Android. The vulnerability identified in this CVE, assigned as CVE-2023-21069, poses a risk of local escalation of privilege on Android systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the Android kernel.

Understanding CVE-2023-21069

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21069, focusing on the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21069?

The CVE-2023-21069 vulnerability is present in the wl_update_hidden_ap_ie function of wl_cfgscan.c. It arises from a missing bounds check, which could potentially result in an out-of-bounds write. Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a local escalation of privilege on affected Android systems, requiring System execution privileges but no user interaction for exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21069

The impact of CVE-2023-21069 is significant as it enables an attacker to potentially elevate their privileges locally on the targeted system. This could allow the attacker to carry out malicious activities with higher privileges than they should have, posing a threat to the security and integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21069

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21069, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in wl_update_hidden_ap_ie of wl_cfgscan.c results from the absence of a necessary bounds check, leading to the possibility of an out-of-bounds write operation. This flaw can be exploited by attackers to escalate their privileges locally on Android systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2023-21069 vulnerability specifically impacts the Android kernel, making systems running this component vulnerable to the associated risks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21069 requires the attacker to leverage the missing bounds check in wl_update_hidden_ap_ie to perform an out-of-bounds write. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can escalate their privileges without the need for user interaction, thereby gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system functions.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will discuss the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-21069 and prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2023-21069, it is crucial for users to apply any available security patches or updates provided by the Android platform. Implementing these patches promptly can help in protecting the system from potential privilege escalation attacks leveraging this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, it is advisable for organizations and users to maintain a proactive approach towards security. This includes regularly updating and patching systems, implementing strong access controls, and conducting security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security advisories and updates from Android's official sources is essential. Users should ensure that their systems are kept up to date with the latest patches and security fixes to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21069 and other potential vulnerabilities.