CVE-2023-21132 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This is a detailed analysis of CVE-2023-21132, including its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-21132

CVE-2023-21132 is a vulnerability relating to Google's Android platform that allows for a local escalation of privilege without the need for user interaction, exploiting a missing permission check in the ManagePermissionsActivity.java file.

What is CVE-2023-21132?

The vulnerability in the onCreate function of ManagePermissionsActivity.java enables an attacker to bypass factory reset protections, leading to a potential local escalation of privilege on a device that has been factory reset, all without requiring additional execution privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21132

The impact of CVE-2023-21132 is significant as it allows an attacker with physical access to a factory reset device to gain elevated privileges without the need for user interaction. This could potentially result in unauthorized access and control over the affected device.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21132

The vulnerability arises from a missing permission check in the onCreate function of ManagePermissionsActivity.java within the Android platform, potentially enabling malicious actors to exploit the loophole for privilege escalation.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for the bypassing of factory reset protections, leading to local privilege escalation on factory reset Android devices, requiring no additional execution privileges for exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Android
Vendor: Google
Affected Versions: 13, 12L, 12

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21132 does not require user interaction. Attackers with physical access to factory reset Android devices can abuse the missing permission check in ManagePermissionsActivity.java to escalate privileges locally.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-21132 requires immediate action to mitigate the risk of local privilege escalation through the vulnerability. Here are some essential steps to take:

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement security updates provided by Google promptly.
Monitor for any suspicious activity on Android devices.
Restrict physical access to factory reset Android devices to authorized individuals.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Android devices to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
Enforce strict access control measures to limit physical access to sensitive devices.
Educate users on best practices for device security and privacy.

Patching and Updates

Users and organizations should stay informed about security updates released by Google for the affected Android versions (13, 12L, 12) to patch the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.