CVE-2023-21235 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-21235, including its description, impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-21235

CVE-2023-21235 is a security vulnerability that affects Android devices developed by Google. This vulnerability can lead to local escalation of privilege without the need for additional execution privileges or user interaction.

What is CVE-2023-21235?

In the onCreate function of LockSettingsActivity.java, there exists a potential method to set a new lockscreen PIN without the requirement of entering the existing PIN. This is made possible due to a permissions bypass, which could allow an attacker to elevate their privilege level locally on the device.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21235

The impact of CVE-2023-21235 is significant as it can result in local escalation of privilege on affected Android devices. This could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or perform malicious actions without the user's knowledge or consent.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21235

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the vulnerability, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in LockSettingsActivity.java allows for the setting of a new lockscreen PIN without requiring the existing PIN, creating a permissions bypass scenario that can lead to local privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2023-21235 vulnerability affects Android devices running versions 11 and 13 developed by Google.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21235 does not require any user interaction and can be performed without additional execution privileges. Attackers can take advantage of this vulnerability to escalate their privilege level on affected devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21235, it is crucial to take immediate steps, implement long-term security practices, and ensure timely patching and updates on affected devices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators should be cautious and vigilant, monitor for any unusual activities, and apply security patches or updates provided by Google to address the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing security best practices such as restricting unnecessary permissions, using strong authentication methods, and regularly updating software can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Google may release security updates or patches to address CVE-2023-21235. It is essential to apply these patches promptly to secure the affected Android devices against potential exploitation of the vulnerability.