CVE-2023-21107 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was published on May 15, 2023, by Google Android. It pertains to a vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21107, which involves a missing permission check in retrieveAppEntry of NotificationAccessDetails.java. This vulnerability could potentially lead to a local escalation of privilege across user boundaries without requiring any additional execution privileges. Exploiting this issue does not necessitate user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-21107

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-21107, shedding light on what the vulnerability entails, its impact, affected systems, and how to mitigate the risk.

What is CVE-2023-21107?

The CVE-2023-21107 vulnerability stems from a missing permission check in the retrieveAppEntry function of NotificationAccessDetails.java. This loophole could enable threat actors to exploit the system and escalate their privileges locally without needing extra execution privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21107

The impact of CVE-2023-21107 lies in the potential for bad actors to elevate their privileges across user boundaries locally. This could result in unauthorized access and control over sensitive information or capabilities on a device running affected versions of Android.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21107

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21107, including its vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in retrieveAppEntry allows for the local escalation of privilege without the requirement of additional execution privileges, potentially opening the door for unauthorized privilege escalation attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the following versions of Android: Android-11, Android-12, Android-12L, and Android-13. Systems running these versions are deemed affected by CVE-2023-21107.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21107 does not necessitate user interaction. Threat actors can take advantage of the missing permission check in retrieveAppEntry to escalate their privileges locally, posing a significant security risk.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-21107 involves taking immediate steps to address the vulnerability and implementing long-term security practices to prevent similar exploits in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to apply security patches and updates provided by the Android platform to address the vulnerability promptly. Additionally, monitoring for any signs of unauthorized privilege escalation can help in detecting and mitigating potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance the overall security posture, organizations and users should follow best practices such as implementing the principle of least privilege, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about security updates and patches.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring that affected systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches from the Android platform is essential for mitigating the risks posed by CVE-2023-21107. Keeping systems up-to-date can help in safeguarding against known vulnerabilities and enhancing overall system security.