CVE-2023-21172 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was published on June 28, 2023, by Google Android, highlighting a vulnerability that allows for a local escalation of privilege in the Android system.

Understanding CVE-2023-21172

This vulnerability in multiple functions of WifiCallingSettings.java enables changing calling preferences for the admin user, bypassing permissions and potentially leading to a local escalation of privilege without the need for additional execution privileges.

What is CVE-2023-21172?

CVE-2023-21172 is a security vulnerability within Android that allows an attacker to change calling preferences for the admin user, leading to a local privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21172

The impact of CVE-2023-21172 is the potential for an attacker to gain elevated privileges within the Android system, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or control over the device.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21172

This section dives into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in WifiCallingSettings.java functions, enabling a permissions bypass that allows changing calling preferences for the admin user, leading to a local privilege escalation within the Android system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the Android system, specifically version Android-13, where the issue of changing calling preferences for the admin user exists.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21172, an attacker could leverage the permissions bypass in WifiCallingSettings.java to manipulate calling preferences for the admin user, thereby escalating their privileges locally within the Android system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here, we discuss the steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-21172 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to apply security patches promptly, update the affected systems to the latest version, and monitor for any unauthorized changes in calling preferences or user privileges.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing security best practices, such as regular security assessments, user privilege management, and restricting unnecessary permissions, can help enhance the overall security posture and mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Google Android has released patches and updates to address CVE-2023-21172. It is crucial for users to ensure their systems are up to date with the latest security fixes to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.