CVE-2023-21179 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record pertains to a security vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21179 in the Android operating system. The vulnerability was published on June 28, 2023, and it involves a potential bypass of user-specified wifi encryption protocols, which could lead to a local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-21179

This section will delve into the details of what CVE-2023-21179 is, its impact, technical aspects, as well as mitigation and prevention strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21179?

CVE-2023-21179 is a vulnerability found in the Android operating system, specifically in the parseSecurityParamsFromXml function of XmlUtil.java. It allows an attacker to bypass user-specified wifi encryption protocols, potentially leading to a local escalation of privilege.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21179

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could be exploited by attackers to elevate their privileges on a local system without the need for user interaction. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected device.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21179

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21179 including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in parseSecurityParamsFromXml of XmlUtil.java allows for the improper use of crypto, leading to a potential bypass of user-specified wifi encryption protocols, ultimately enabling a local escalation of privilege.

Affected Systems and Versions

The systems affected by CVE-2023-21179 include the Android operating system specifically version Android-13. Users of Android-13 are at risk of exploitation through this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction. Attackers can potentially exploit this flaw to escalate their privileges locally.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2023-21179, it is crucial to take immediate steps to address the vulnerability and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Stay informed by monitoring security bulletins and updates from Android.
Apply patches and security updates provided by the vendor promptly.
Implement security best practices and restrict access to vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch systems to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Educate users about safe computing practices and the importance of keeping software up to date.

Patching and Updates

Users of the affected Android-13 version should ensure they update their systems with the latest security patches released by Android to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21179. Regularly applying updates and patches is essential in maintaining the security of the system.