CVE-2023-21167 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was published on June 28, 2023, by Google for the Android platform. It describes a vulnerability in setProfileName of DevicePolicyManagerService.java that can lead to a local denial of service attack on Android devices running Android-13. The issue arises from a missing bounds check, allowing for the crashing of the SystemUI menu without requiring additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-21167

This section will delve deeper into the nature of CVE-2023-21167, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21167?

CVE-2023-21167 is a vulnerability in Android's DevicePolicyManagerService.java that allows an attacker to crash the SystemUI menu, leading to a local denial of service attack without the need for user interaction. The affected version is Android-13.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21167

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for local denial of service on Android devices running Android-13. By exploiting the missing bounds check in setProfileName, an attacker can disrupt the SystemUI menu functionality.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21167

This section will provide more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in setProfileName of DevicePolicyManagerService.java on Android devices running Android-13 is caused by a missing bounds check. This oversight allows an attacker to crash the SystemUI menu, potentially leading to a denial of service scenario.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system by CVE-2023-21167 is Android, specifically version Android-13. Devices running this version are susceptible to the vulnerability in setProfileName.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21167, an attacker must leverage the missing bounds check in setProfileName of DevicePolicyManagerService.java. By triggering a specific sequence of actions, the attacker can cause the SystemUI menu to crash, resulting in a local denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2023-21167 requires immediate steps to address the vulnerability and long-term security practices to prevent such issues in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Android users running Android-13 should be cautious of potential attacks exploiting this vulnerability.
Organizations should monitor for any unusual system behavior related to the SystemUI menu.
Consider security updates and patches from Android to mitigate the risk of a denial of service attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust code review processes to catch missing bounds checks and other vulnerabilities during development.
Enforce secure coding practices and stringent validation routines for input handling in Android applications.
Educate developers and security teams on the importance of identifying and addressing potential denial of service vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Users and system administrators should stay informed about security bulletins and updates from Android related to CVE-2023-21167. Applying patches promptly is crucial to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability and protect system integrity.