CVE-2023-21248 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published by google_android on July 12, 2023, for an issue related to Android devices. The vulnerability could potentially allow local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-21248

This section provides an insight into the nature and impact of CVE-2023-21248.

What is CVE-2023-21248?

The CVE-2023-21248 vulnerability specifically occurs in the getAvailabilityStatus function of WifiScanningMainSwitchPreferenceController.java. It arises from a missing permission check, which could enable an attacker to bypass a device policy restriction. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a local escalation of privilege without the need for user interaction or additional execution privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21248

The impact of CVE-2023-21248 is significant as it could potentially allow malicious actors to elevate their privilege levels locally on an affected Android device. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources, posing a serious security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21248

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the getAvailabilityStatus function of WifiScanningMainSwitchPreferenceController.java stems from the absence of a crucial permission check. This oversight creates a loophole that malicious entities could exploit for local privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Android, specifically versions 13, 12L, and 12. Users utilizing these versions may be vulnerable to the security issue outlined in CVE-2023-21248.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21248 does not require any user interaction, and no additional execution privileges are necessary. Attackers can manipulate the missing permission check to bypass device policy restrictions and escalate their privileges locally.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of the CVE-2023-21248 vulnerability, it is essential to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk and implement long-term security practices to safeguard against such threats.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators should stay vigilant for security updates related to the affected versions of Android. It is crucial to apply patches promptly to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation by threat actors.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance security posture, organizations and individuals should adopt robust security measures, including regular security assessments, access controls, and security training to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation and other security threats.

Patching and Updates

Google Android has released patches to address CVE-2023-21248. Users are strongly advised to update their systems to the latest patched versions to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance the security of their devices.