CVE-2023-21150 : What You Need to Know

This CVE was published on June 28, 2023, and relates to a vulnerability in Android that could potentially lead to local information disclosure with system execution privileges. The vulnerability requires no user interaction for exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2023-21150

This section will delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-21150, outlining what the vulnerability entails and its potential impacts.

What is CVE-2023-21150?

CVE-2023-21150 is a flaw found in the handle_set_parameters_ctrl function of hal_socket.c. It allows for a possible out-of-bounds read due to an incorrect bounds check. This vulnerability, if exploited, could result in local information disclosure.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21150

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to the exposure of sensitive information stored on the affected Android devices. Threat actors could potentially gain access to critical data without the need for user interaction, posing a serious risk to user privacy and security.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21150

In this section, we will discuss the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21150, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in handle_set_parameters_ctrl of hal_socket.c allows for an out-of-bounds read due to an incorrect bounds check. This flaw could be exploited by attackers to disclose local information on the targeted Android devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system by this vulnerability is Android with the specific component being the Android kernel. The Android kernel is marked as affected by this vulnerability, indicating potential risks for devices running on this version.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21150, an attacker would need to leverage the vulnerability in the handle_set_parameters_ctrl function to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the Android device. As system execution privileges are required, the impact of a successful exploitation can be severe.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating and preventing the exploitation of CVE-2023-21150 is crucial to safeguarding affected systems and user data. This section will cover immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, as well as patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to apply security patches and updates provided by the Android platform as soon as they are made available. Implementing security best practices and maintaining strong access controls can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize regular security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and employee training on cybersecurity awareness. By promoting a security-conscious culture, the overall resilience of systems can be enhanced to mitigate future threats.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant for security bulletins and updates from Android is essential. Timely installation of patches and updates can address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21150, strengthening the security posture of Android devices and mitigating potential risks associated with this flaw.