CVE-2023-21174 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides insights into CVE-2023-21174, a security vulnerability identified in Android that allows guest users to modify data limits, potentially leading to a local privilege escalation without the need for additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-21174

CVE-2023-21174 is a security flaw found within Android that poses a risk of escalating privileges locally by bypassing permissions, specifically in the isPageSearchEnabled function of BillingCycleSettings.java. This vulnerability can be exploited by guest users on Android-13 devices without requiring user interaction.

What is CVE-2023-21174?

The CVE-2023-21174 vulnerability in Android allows guest users to manipulate data limits, enabling them to escalate their privileges locally. This type of vulnerability is categorized as an "Elevation of Privilege" issue, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21174

The impact of CVE-2023-21174 lies in the potential for unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges on an Android device, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or functionality. This exploitation could compromise the security and integrity of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21174

The technical details of CVE-2023-21174 shed light on how the vulnerability manifests, the systems and versions affected, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the isPageSearchEnabled function of BillingCycleSettings.java in Android-13. It allows guest users to bypass permissions and modify data limits, leading to a local privilege escalation without needing additional execution privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Android-13 is the specific version affected by CVE-2023-21174. Devices running this version are at risk of exploitation by guest users seeking to elevate their privileges and potentially compromise the system's security.

Exploitation Mechanism

Guest users can exploit CVE-2023-21174 on Android-13 by leveraging the permissions bypass in the isPageSearchEnabled function of BillingCycleSettings.java. This allows them to manipulate data limits, leading to a local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-21174 requires immediate actions, long-term security practices, and the implementation of patches and updates to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the CVE-2023-21174 vulnerability, users and system administrators should restrict guest access, monitor system activity for unauthorized changes, and apply security updates as soon as they become available.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, maintaining a robust security posture by regularly updating devices, implementing security best practices, and conducting security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.

Patching and Updates

Google Android Security Bulletin dated June 1, 2023, provides relevant information and patches to address CVE-2023-21174. Users are advised to apply the latest updates and security patches provided by the vendor to protect their Android devices from potential exploitation.