CVE-2023-21079 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record, assigned by Google's Android security team, highlights a critical vulnerability in Android that could potentially lead to a local escalation of privilege without requiring user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-21079

This section will provide an overview of the CVE-2023-21079 vulnerability, including its description, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21079?

CVE-2023-21079 resides in the

rtt_unpack_xtlv_cbfn

function of

dhd_rtt.c

in Android. It is categorized as a heap buffer overflow vulnerability that could be exploited for local privilege escalation. The exploit requires System execution privileges but does not rely on user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21079

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could allow a malicious actor to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on the affected system. This could potentially lead to the compromise of sensitive information or further exploitation of the target system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21079

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21079, including its vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism involved.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an out-of-bounds write in the

rtt_unpack_xtlv_cbfn

function of

dhd_rtt.c

, leading to a heap buffer overflow. This flaw enables an attacker to manipulate memory beyond its allocated boundaries, potentially causing system instability or unauthorized code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Android devices running the Android kernel. Specifically, systems using the impacted versions of the Android kernel are vulnerable to exploitation. It is crucial for users of these systems to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21079, an attacker would need to craft a malicious payload targeting the specific vulnerability in the

rtt_unpack_xtlv_cbfn

function. By triggering the heap buffer overflow, the attacker can gain unauthorized access and execute code with elevated privileges on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this final section, we outline the steps that users and administrators can take to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-21079 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should promptly apply security updates provided by Google for the Android operating system to address the vulnerability.
Implement strict access control measures to limit the privileges of system users and prevent unauthorized access to critical system resources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security bulletins and updates from Android's official sources to stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
Employ defense-in-depth strategies, such as network segmentation and robust security configurations, to bolster the overall security posture of Android devices.

Patching and Updates

It is essential to prioritize the installation of security patches released by Google to address CVE-2023-21079 and other known vulnerabilities.
Maintain a proactive approach to system updates and ensure that all devices running the Android operating system are up to date with the latest security patches to mitigate potential risks.