CVE-2023-21203 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record involves a vulnerability in Android that could potentially lead to local escalation of privilege without the need for user interaction. The vulnerability was published on June 28, 2023, by Google Android after being reserved on November 3, 2022.

Understanding CVE-2023-21203

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21203, highlighting what it is and the impact it can have.

What is CVE-2023-21203?

CVE-2023-21203 relates to a possible out-of-bounds read vulnerability in startWpsPbcInternal of sta_iface.cpp in Android. The issue arises from improper input validation and could potentially allow an attacker to escalate privileges locally with System execution privileges, all without the need for user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21203

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could be exploited to gain elevated privileges on the affected Android system. If successfully exploited, an attacker could carry out various malicious activities, posing a threat to the data and security of the device.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21203

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21203, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Android (CVE-2023-21203) occurs in the startWpsPbcInternal function due to insufficient input validation, leading to a potential out-of-bounds read issue.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is Android, specifically version Android-13. Users running this version of Android are at risk of exploitation unless appropriate mitigation steps are taken.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21203 requires no user interaction but rather involves utilizing the out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the startWpsPbcInternal function to achieve local escalation of privilege.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against the risks posed by CVE-2023-21203, it is crucial to implement immediate steps, adopt long-term security practices, and ensure timely patching and updates for affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

For immediate protection, users should consider restricting access to potentially vulnerable functions, monitoring system activity for any signs of exploitation, and implementing security enhancements.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, maintaining a proactive approach to security by regularly updating systems, conducting security audits, and promoting security awareness among users can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Patching and Updates

It is essential for users to stay informed about security updates released by Android and promptly apply patches provided to address CVE-2023-21203. Regularly updating systems can help mitigate the risk of exploitation and enhance overall system security.