CVE-2023-21083 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published on April 19, 2023, by Google Android. It involves a vulnerability that allows for the recording of audio without displaying a privacy indicator, potentially leading to a local escalation of privilege on Android devices.

Understanding CVE-2023-21083

This section will discuss what CVE-2023-21083 entails, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21083?

The vulnerability in onNullBinding of CallScreeningServiceHelper.java enables the recording of audio without the required privacy indicator, presenting a potential permissions bypass. Exploitation could result in a local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges, requiring no user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21083

The impact of this vulnerability lies in the ability to record audio without the knowledge of the user, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information and a breach of user privacy on affected Android devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21083

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21083, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for the recording of audio without displaying a privacy indicator, facilitating a permissions bypass on Android devices running affected versions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted system is Android, with the following versions affected: Android-11, Android-12, Android-12L, and Android-13.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can record audio without the user's knowledge, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we explore the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21083 and prevent its exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Android devices to the latest security patches to address this vulnerability promptly. Additionally, be cautious while granting permissions to apps that involve audio recording capabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance long-term security, users should regularly update their devices, refrain from granting unnecessary permissions to applications, and maintain awareness of potential security risks associated with audio recording features.

Patching and Updates

Google Android has provided security patches addressing CVE-2023-21083 in their security bulletin dated April 1, 2023. It is crucial for users to install these updates to protect their devices from potential exploitation.