CVE-2023-21147 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was published on June 28, 2023, by Google for an issue identified in the Android operating system. The vulnerability, categorized as an elevation of privilege, could potentially allow local attackers to escalate their privileges without requiring additional execution permissions or user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-21147

This section will delve into what CVE-2023-21147 is, the impact it poses, the technical details surrounding the vulnerability, as well as mitigation and prevention strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21147?

CVE-2023-21147 pertains to a specific flaw present in the lwis_i2c_device_disable function within lwis_device_i2c.c. The vulnerability arises due to a logic error in the code, which could be exploited by local attackers to gain elevated privileges on the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21147

The impact of this CVE lies in the potential for a local attacker to exploit the vulnerability and escalate their privileges within the Android operating system. Such escalation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or the ability to perform malicious actions on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21147

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, the systems and versions affected, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in lwis_i2c_device_disable of lwis_device_i2c.c can result in a use-after-free scenario, where a logic error in the code can be manipulated by attackers to gain elevated privileges on the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product in this case is Android, specifically the Android kernel version. Systems running the impacted Android kernel version are susceptible to exploitation of this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21147 involves leveraging the logic error present in the lwis_i2c_device_disable function to carry out a local escalation of privilege attack within the Android operating system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Outlined below are steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21147 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply relevant security patches and updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability in the Android kernel.
Monitor security bulletins and advisories from trusted sources for any further information or updates regarding this CVE.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a robust security posture that includes regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to proactively identify and address potential threats.
Enforce the principle of least privilege to restrict unnecessary access and permissions within the system.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by Google for the Android operating system, specifically addressing vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-21147.
Promptly apply patches and updates to ensure that known security issues are resolved and the system is protected against potential exploits.