CVE-2023-21103 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published on May 15, 2023, by Google Android. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21103 can lead to a local persistent denial of service in Android devices without requiring additional execution privileges. The vulnerability exists in the registerPhoneAccount function of PhoneAccountRegistrar.java.

Understanding CVE-2023-21103

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-21103 poses a risk of local persistent denial of service on Android devices without the need for user interaction.

What is CVE-2023-21103?

CVE-2023-21103 is a vulnerability found in the registerPhoneAccount function of PhoneAccountRegistrar.java in Android. Uncaught exceptions during the parsing of persisted user data can result in a local persistent denial of service attack. This exploit does not require any additional execution privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21103

The impact of CVE-2023-21103 is the potential for a local persistent denial of service threat on affected Android devices. This could disrupt normal device functionality and affect user experience.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21103

The following technical details provide insight into the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in registerPhoneAccount of PhoneAccountRegistrar.java can trigger a local persistent denial of service attack on Android devices. This occurs due to uncaught exceptions in parsing persisted user data.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Android, with the following versions at risk: Android-11, Android-12, Android-12L, and Android-13. All these versions are susceptible to the local persistent denial of service exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21103, an attacker can trigger uncaught exceptions in the parsing of persisted user data within the registerPhoneAccount function, leading to a local persistent denial of service attack on the affected Android devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is essential to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-21103 and implement long-term security practices to enhance device protection.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators should stay informed about security updates and patches released by Android to address CVE-2023-21103. Additionally, monitoring for any unusual device behavior can help detect potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as using reputable security software, practicing secure coding practices, and maintaining device hygiene, can help safeguard against potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21103.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Android devices with the latest security patches and software updates is crucial to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21103. Keeping devices up to date helps in maintaining a secure and resilient environment against cyber threats.