CVE-2023-21198 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in the Android operating system that could potentially lead to local information disclosure without the need for additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-21198

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21198, including what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-21198?

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21198 exists in the remove_sdp_record function of the btif_sdp_server.cc file. The issue arises from a missing bounds check, which could result in an out-of-bounds read. This vulnerability has the potential to allow an attacker to disclose sensitive local information without requiring any additional permissions or user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21198

The impact of this vulnerability lies in the risk of unauthorized access to potentially confidential information stored on the affected Android device. Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to the exposure of sensitive data without the user's knowledge or consent.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21198

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21198, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the remove_sdp_record function of btif_sdp_server.cc results from a lack of proper bounds checking, allowing for a potential out-of-bounds read. This oversight could enable an attacker to access local information that should be restricted from unauthorized disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system by this vulnerability is Android, specifically version Android-13. Devices operating on Android-13 are vulnerable to exploitation if not addressed promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21198 does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive local information on Android devices running version Android-13.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on the steps that individuals and organizations can take to mitigate the impact of CVE-2023-21198 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security updates provided by Android to patch the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation. It is crucial to stay vigilant and update devices to the latest available software version to mitigate the risk of local information disclosure.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, such as regularly updating devices, implementing security best practices, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities, can help mitigate the risk of similar exploits in the future.

Patching and Updates

Users of Android-13 should prioritize installing security updates released by Android to address the vulnerability highlighted in CVE-2023-21198. Keeping devices up to date with the latest patches and security fixes is essential in maintaining the security of Android devices.