CVE-2023-21185 : What You Need to Know

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-21185, providing insights into the nature of the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-21185

CVE-2023-21185 is a vulnerability identified in the WifiNetworkFactory.java functions, leading to a potential local escalation of privilege in Android devices running Android-13. This vulnerability could allow a guest user to elevate privileges without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction.

What is CVE-2023-21185?

The CVE-2023-21185 vulnerability stems from a missing permission check in specific functions of WifiNetworkFactory.java within Android devices. This oversight could potentially enable a threat actor to escalate their privileges locally, gaining unauthorized access and control over the device.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21185

The impact of CVE-2023-21185 is significant as it allows a guest user on an affected Android-13 device to elevate their privileges without the need for any user interaction or additional execution permissions. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or control over the device, posing a severe security risk to the user and their data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21185

The technical aspects of CVE-2023-21185 provide crucial insights into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in WifiNetworkFactory.java functions signifies a missing permission check, enabling local privilege escalation by a guest user on Android devices running Android-13.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects devices running Android-13, specifically impacting the functionality of WifiNetworkFactory.java within the Android operating system.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21185 involves taking advantage of the missing permission check in the affected WifiNetworkFactory.java functions to escalate privileges locally, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the device.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-21185 requires immediate steps to mitigate the risk and prevent exploitation, along with long-term security practices and patching strategies to safeguard devices from similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to apply security patches provided by the device manufacturer or official sources promptly to address CVE-2023-21185 and prevent its exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for any suspicious behavior or unauthorized access can help detect potential privilege escalation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security protocols, such as regular security updates, access control measures, and user privilege management, can enhance the overall security posture of Android devices and mitigate the risk of privilege escalation vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21185.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Android devices with the latest security patches and firmware updates is crucial to addressing known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21185. By staying up-to-date with security releases, users can ensure their devices are protected against known threats and security weaknesses.