CVE-2023-21160 : What You Need to Know

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-21160, including an explanation of the vulnerability, its impacts, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-21160

CVE-2023-21160 is a recently published vulnerability in the Android operating system. The vulnerability is specifically located in BuildSetTcsFci of protocolmiscbuilder.cpp, where an out-of-bounds read can occur due to a heap buffer overflow. This flaw could potentially result in local information disclosure without requiring any additional execution privileges. Notably, user interaction is not necessary for the exploitation of this vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-21160?

CVE-2023-21160 is classified as an "Information Disclosure" vulnerability within the Android operating system. It poses a risk of leaking sensitive information locally without the need for elevated privileges or user interaction, making it a concerning security issue that needs to be addressed promptly.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21160

The impact of CVE-2023-21160 is significant as it can lead to the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data stored on affected systems. This could potentially expose confidential information to threat actors, leading to privacy breaches and other security risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21160

The technical details of CVE-2023-21160 revolve around a heap buffer overflow in the BuildSetTcsFci of protocolmiscbuilder.cpp, which triggers an out-of-bounds read. This could be exploited by malicious actors to disclose sensitive information without the need for user interaction, posing a serious threat to the security and integrity of the Android operating system.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in BuildSetTcsFci of protocolmiscbuilder.cpp allows for an out-of-bounds read due to a heap buffer overflow, potentially leading to local information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is Android, specifically the Android kernel version.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21160 involves triggering a heap buffer overflow in the BuildSetTcsFci function of protocolmiscbuilder.cpp, resulting in an out-of-bounds read that can disclose local information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating and preventing the exploitation of CVE-2023-21160 is crucial to maintaining the security of Android devices and protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-21160 include implementing security updates and patches provided by Android to address the vulnerability promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Long-term security practices should include regularly updating the Android operating system, employing strong access controls, monitoring for unusual system behavior, and educating users about potential security threats.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring that devices are up to date with the latest security patches and updates is essential in preventing the exploitation of CVE-2023-21160. Regularly checking for and installing updates from official sources can help mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.