CVE-2023-21140 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record was assigned by Google Android and was published on August 14, 2023. The vulnerability affects Android versions 13, 12L, and 12. It allows for a local escalation of privilege without the need for user interaction, potentially leading to the bypassing of factory reset protections.

Understanding CVE-2023-21140

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-21140, exploring its nature and implications.

What is CVE-2023-21140?

The vulnerability lies in the onCreate function of ManagePermissionsActivity.java, where a missing permission check opens up an avenue for bypassing factory reset protections. This security flaw enables a threat actor physical access to a factory-reset device to escalate their privileges locally without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21140

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can potentially result in the compromise of user data and privacy due to unauthorized privilege escalation on compromised devices. It underscores the importance of timely mitigation and patching to prevent exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21140

In this section, we will delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21140, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability originates from a missing permission check in the onCreate function of ManagePermissionsActivity.java, which can be exploited to bypass factory reset protections and elevate privileges locally on affected Android devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Android versions 13, 12L, and 12 are impacted by this vulnerability, making devices running these versions susceptible to local privilege escalation attacks post factory reset.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploit does not require any user interaction and can be performed with physical access to a device that has undergone a factory reset. By leveraging the missing permission check in the onCreate function, threat actors can escalate their privileges without the need for additional execution privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-21140 requires a proactive approach to enhance security measures and safeguard against potential risks. Here are some recommended strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure timely security updates are applied to affected Android devices to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access post factory reset that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust access controls and permission checks in critical system functions to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in the system.

Patching and Updates

Google may release security patches or updates to address CVE-2023-21140. It is crucial for users to promptly apply these patches to protect their devices from exploitation and enhance overall security posture.