CVE-2023-21156 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-21156, focusing on the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-21156

CVE-2023-21156 is a published CVE ID assigned by Google Android that highlights a vulnerability in the Android operating system. The vulnerability exists in the BuildGetRadioNode function of protocolmiscbulider.cpp, leading to a potential out-of-bounds read due to inadequate input validation. Exploiting this vulnerability could result in local information disclosure from the modem, requiring System execution privileges, and does not necessitate user interaction for exploitation.

What is CVE-2023-21156?

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-21156 allows for unauthorized disclosure of information from the modem within the Android operating system. It poses a risk of exposing sensitive data without the user's knowledge, potentially compromising the security and privacy of the device.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21156

The impact of CVE-2023-21156 is significant as it can be exploited to gain access to confidential information stored on the device. Malicious actors could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data from the modem, leading to potential privacy breaches and misuse of the disclosed information.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21156

The technical details of CVE-2023-21156 provide insight into the vulnerability's description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation in the BuildGetRadioNode function of protocolmiscbulider.cpp in the Android operating system. This allows for an out-of-bounds read, which can be exploited to disclose information from the modem.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system in this vulnerability is Android, specifically the Android kernel. The Android kernel versions are susceptible to this vulnerability, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue promptly to secure devices running on these versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21156, an attacker would need to leverage the vulnerability in the BuildGetRadioNode function to trigger an out-of-bounds read. By exploiting this flaw, unauthorized access to sensitive information from the modem can be achieved, requiring System execution privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-21156 involves taking immediate steps to secure the affected systems, followed by implementing long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions include monitoring for security advisories related to the vulnerability, restricting access to sensitive information, and implementing security measures to prevent unauthorized access to the modem or affected components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing robust security protocols, conducting regular security audits, and enforcing secure coding practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Educating users about potential risks and maintaining awareness of security best practices are essential for long-term security.

Patching and Updates

Applying patches and updates released by Android for the affected versions, specifically addressing the vulnerability in the Android kernel, is crucial to remediate CVE-2023-21156. Timely installation of security patches helps mitigate the risk of exploitation and strengthens the overall security posture of the affected systems.