CVE-2023-21169 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-21169, providing information on the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-21169

CVE-2023-21169 is a vulnerability found in the Android operating system, specifically in the inviteInternal function of p2p_iface.cpp. The vulnerability allows for a potential out-of-bounds read due to a missing bounds check. Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in local information disclosure, requiring System execution privileges but not user interaction for exploitation.

What is CVE-2023-21169?

CVE-2023-21169 involves an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Android's inviteInternal function of p2p_iface.cpp. This flaw could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive local information on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21169

The impact of CVE-2023-21169 is significant as it could lead to the exposure of critical system information without requiring user interaction. Attackers with System execution privileges could potentially exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive data on the affected Android devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21169

The technical details of CVE-2023-21169 include the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a missing bounds check in the inviteInternal function of p2p_iface.cpp in Android. This flaw allows for an out-of-bounds read, enabling attackers to disclose local information.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Android systems running version Android-13. Users with these specific versions of the Android operating system are at risk of potential information disclosure due to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21169 requires no user interaction but does necessitate System execution privileges. Attackers can leverage the out-of-bounds read vulnerability to access sensitive information on the targeted Android devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-21169, immediate steps must be taken along with the implementation of long-term security practices and timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators should be vigilant and apply security patches provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability promptly. It is crucial to keep systems updated and monitor for any unusual activities that could signify exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, adherence to security best practices such as regular security assessments, network segmentation, least privilege access controls, and security awareness training can help in enhancing overall security posture and reducing the likelihood of successful attacks.

Patching and Updates

Vendor-supplied patches and updates should be applied as soon as they are available. Regularly checking for security advisories and promptly implementing patches is essential for mitigating the risk of exploitation associated with CVE-2023-21169.