CVE-2023-21247 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-21247 was published on July 12, 2023, by Google for their Android operating system. It involves a vulnerability that could potentially lead to local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The issue stems from a missing permission check in the BluetoothScanningMainSwitchPreferenceController.java file, allowing an attacker to bypass device policy restrictions.

Understanding CVE-2023-21247

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21247, including what it entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-21247?

CVE-2023-21247 is a vulnerability found in the Android operating system, specifically in the BluetoothScanningMainSwitchPreferenceController.java file. It allows for the bypassing of device policy restrictions, leading to local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21247

The impact of CVE-2023-21247 is significant as it enables attackers to elevate their privileges locally without needing any additional permissions or user interaction. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21247

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21247, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in getAvailabilityStatus of BluetoothScanningMainSwitchPreferenceController.java allows for the bypassing of device policy restrictions due to a missing permission check. This loophole could be exploited by threat actors to escalate privilege locally.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system for CVE-2023-21247 is Android, specifically versions 13, 12L, and 12.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21247 does not require any user interaction. By manipulating the missing permission check in the BluetoothScanningMainSwitchPreferenceController.java file, attackers can elevate their privileges locally.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21247, users and organizations can follow certain steps to enhance their security posture and protect their systems from potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate steps to take include updating the affected systems to the latest patches provided by Google. By installing these security updates, organizations can address the vulnerability and prevent any potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long run, adopting robust security practices such as regular security audits, implementing least privilege access controls, and staying informed about the latest vulnerabilities can help in preventing similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly patching and updating systems, especially when security patches are released by vendors, is crucial in safeguarding against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21247. By staying up-to-date with security updates, organizations can strengthen their defenses and mitigate potential risks.