CVE-2023-21086 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on April 19, 2023, and it highlights a security vulnerability in Android that could potentially lead to the escalation of privilege from a Guest account to enable NFC from a secondary account. The vulnerability can be exploited without the need for user interaction, posing a threat to the affected Android versions.

Understanding CVE-2023-21086

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21086, exploring what the vulnerability entails and its impact on systems and users.

What is CVE-2023-21086?

CVE-2023-21086 is a security vulnerability found in the

isToggleable

function of

SecureNfcEnabler.java

and

SecureNfcPreferenceController.java

in Android. It allows for the enablement of NFC from a secondary account, bypassing permissions and potentially leading to local escalation of privilege from a Guest account.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21086

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows an attacker to escalate their privileges within the system without requiring any additional execution privileges. This could lead to unauthorized access and potentially malicious activities on the affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21086

In this section, we will discuss the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism of CVE-2023-21086.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Android's

SecureNfcEnabler.java

and

SecureNfcPreferenceController.java

allows for the unauthorized enablement of NFC from a secondary account, leading to an elevation of privilege.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include Android versions Android-11, Android-12, Android-12L, and Android-13. These versions are at risk of exploitation through this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21086 does not require user interaction, making it easier for attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access and escalate privileges within the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-21086 and mitigate the risks associated with the vulnerability, certain immediate steps should be taken along with the implementation of long-term security practices and timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to stay vigilant and monitor for any suspicious activities related to NFC enablement or privilege escalation on Android devices. Users and administrators should prioritize security measures to prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong access control measures, regularly updating software and security patches, and conducting thorough security assessments can help enhance the overall security posture and resilience of Android systems against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Google Android users are advised to apply relevant security patches and updates provided by the vendor to address CVE-2023-21086 and other potential vulnerabilities. Keeping systems up to date with the latest security fixes is essential in maintaining the integrity and security of Android devices.