CVE-2023-21097 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This is an overview of CVE-2023-21097 which was published on April 19, 2023, for the Android platform by Google Android.

Understanding CVE-2023-21097

CVE-2023-21097 highlights a vulnerability found in the toUriInner function of Intent.java, where there exists a potential method to launch an arbitrary activity due to a confused deputy. This flaw could result in local escalation of privilege without requiring any additional execution privileges. Notably, user interaction is not necessary for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-21097?

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-21097 allows an attacker to potentially escalate privileges locally on Android devices without the need for any additional permissions. This could have serious implications for the security and privacy of affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21097

The impact of CVE-2023-21097 is significant as it opens the door for threat actors to gain escalated privileges on vulnerable Android devices. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, unauthorized actions, and potential compromise of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21097

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21097 to provide a deeper understanding of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a flaw in the toUriInner function of Intent.java, allowing an attacker to execute an arbitrary activity through a confused deputy scenario. This issue can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts various versions of Android, including Android-11, Android-12, Android-12L, and Android-13. Systems running these versions are at risk of exploitation leading to privilege escalation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the vulnerability in the toUriInner function, threat actors can craft malicious intents to perform unauthorized activities, ultimately gaining escalated privileges on the targeted Android devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-21097 is crucial to safeguarding Android devices from potential exploitation. Here are some key steps to consider:

Immediate Steps to Take

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Google Android.
Implement security best practices to limit the impact of potential privilege escalation attacks.
Monitor for any suspicious activity on Android devices that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Android devices with the latest security patches and firmware updates.
Educate users about the importance of maintaining device security and avoiding potentially harmful actions.
Consider implementing additional security measures such as app whitelisting and network segmentation to enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply patches and updates released by Google Android promptly to address the CVE-2023-21097 vulnerability. Regularly checking for and installing security updates can help prevent attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities and enhancing the overall security of Android devices.