CVE-2023-21092 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was published on April 19, 2023, by Google Android. It highlights a vulnerability that allows for local escalation of privilege in Android systems.

Understanding CVE-2023-21092

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21092, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-21092?

CVE-2023-21092 is a vulnerability found in the retrieveServiceLocked function of ActiveServices.java. The issue arises from improper input validation, enabling the dynamic registration of a BroadcastReceiver with the permissions of a System App. This flaw can be exploited to achieve local escalation of privilege without requiring any additional execution privileges. Notably, user interaction is not needed for the exploitation of this vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21092

The impact of CVE-2023-21092 is significant as it exposes Android systems running versions Android-11, Android-12, Android-12L, and Android-13 to the risk of local privilege escalation. This vulnerability could potentially be leveraged by malicious actors to gain elevated privileges and execute unauthorized actions on the affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21092

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21092, including vulnerability descriptions, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the retrieveServiceLocked function of ActiveServices.java allows for the dynamic registration of a BroadcastReceiver with System App permissions due to inadequate input validation. This loophole can be exploited for local privilege escalation, posing a security risk to Android devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Android systems running versions Android-11, Android-12, Android-12L, and Android-13. Devices operating on these versions are susceptible to the CVE-2023-21092 vulnerability and should take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the vulnerability in retrieveServiceLocked, threat actors can bypass proper permission checks and dynamically register a BroadcastReceiver with System App permissions. This manipulation opens the door for unauthorized privilege escalation, potentially leading to the compromise of affected Android devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2023-21092 vulnerability and enhance the security of Android devices, prompt action is required in terms of immediate steps, long-term security practices, and patching procedures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators should be vigilant and apply security updates provided by Android to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-21092. Additionally, monitoring device activity for any suspicious behavior can help in detecting potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

To bolster the security posture of Android devices, implementing strong security practices such as regular software updates, utilizing reputable security solutions, and fostering user awareness on safe computing habits is essential.

Patching and Updates

Google Android has issued a security bulletin addressing CVE-2023-21092. Users are advised to promptly install the necessary patches and updates to safeguard their devices against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. Regularly updating the Android operating system ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched, reducing the risk of security breaches.