CVE-2023-21094 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability discovered in the sanitize function of LayerState.cpp that affects Android versions 11, 12, 12L, and 13. The vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to gain control of the screen display and swap the content without the necessary permissions, leading to a local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-21094

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-21094, shedding light on what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-21094?

CVE-2023-21094 is a security vulnerability in the sanitize function of LayerState.cpp that could be exploited to manipulate the screen display and content, enabling an attacker to escalate privileges locally without the need for extra execution privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21094

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could allow an unauthorized entity to take over the screen display and swap content, potentially leading to further exploitation and compromise of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21094

This section outlines the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21094, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the sanitize function of LayerState.cpp allows an attacker to control the screen display and content without the appropriate permissions, facilitating a local privilege escalation scenario.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Android versions 11, 12, 12L, and 13, potentially putting devices running these versions at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the missing permission check in the sanitize function of LayerState.cpp, an attacker could manipulate the screen display and swap content, leading to a local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we explore the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21094 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial for users of affected Android versions (11, 12, 12L, and 13) to apply relevant security updates promptly to address the vulnerability and reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, such as regularly updating operating systems and applications, implementing least privilege access controls, and conducting security audits, can help strengthen the overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to monitor official security bulletins and updates from Android to stay informed about patches addressing CVE-2023-21094. Applying timely patches and keeping systems up to date with the latest security fixes is crucial for safeguarding against known vulnerabilities.