CVE-2023-21101 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-21101 was published on June 15, 2023, by Google Android. It highlights a vulnerability within multiple functions of WVDrmPlugin.cpp in Android that could potentially lead to a race condition and result in a use after free scenario. This vulnerability has the potential to allow local privilege escalation without the need for additional execution privileges or user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-21101

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21101, including the vulnerability description, impact, affected systems and versions, as well as mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21101?

CVE-2023-21101 is a vulnerability found in multiple functions of WVDrmPlugin.cpp in Android, leading to a potential use after free scenario due to a race condition. Exploiting this vulnerability could result in local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21101

The impact of this CVE lies in the ability for malicious actors to leverage the vulnerability to escalate their privileges locally, posing a security risk to affected systems running Android SoC.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21101

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-21101.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in multiple functions of WVDrmPlugin.cpp in Android can lead to a use after free scenario due to a race condition, providing an opportunity for local privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Android, specifically the version Android SoC. Systems running this version are vulnerable to the exploitation of CVE-2023-21101.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves leveraging the race condition present in multiple functions of WVDrmPlugin.cpp in Android to trigger a use after free scenario and subsequently escalate privileges locally.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21101 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions should include applying security patches provided by the vendor, monitoring for any suspicious activities, and restricting access to vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should implement robust security measures, conduct regular security audits, educate users on best practices, and stay informed about security updates.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update systems with the latest security patches provided by the vendor to address CVE-2023-21101 and other known vulnerabilities, ensuring the overall security posture of the environment is maintained.