CVE-2023-21249 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published on July 12, 2023, by Google Android, highlighting a vulnerability in the Android operating system version 13. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-21249, poses a risk of local privilege escalation due to a permissions bypass in OneTimePermissionUserManager.java.

Understanding CVE-2023-21249

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-21249, shedding light on what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-21249?

CVE-2023-21249 is a vulnerability found in multiple functions of OneTimePermissionUserManager.java, with the potential for one-time permission retention leading to local escalation of privilege. Notably, user execution privileges are required for exploiting this vulnerability, and user interaction is not necessary.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21249

The impact of CVE-2023-21249 lies in the local escalation of privilege that could be achieved through a permissions bypass. This could potentially allow malicious actors to gain elevated privileges without user interaction, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21249

In this section, we will delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21249, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in OneTimePermissionUserManager.java could result in one-time permission retention, creating an avenue for local privilege escalation. This flaw could be exploited by threat actors to gain elevated privileges without requiring user interaction.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the Android operating system, specifically version 13. Users operating on this version may be susceptible to the risks posed by CVE-2023-21249.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21249 revolves around a permissions bypass that enables threat actors to retain one-time permissions, subsequently leading to the escalation of privileges. This mechanism does not necessitate user interaction, heightening the severity of the vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21249 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2023-21249, users are advised to implement immediate security measures, such as monitoring for any suspicious activity, restricting access to sensitive functions, and staying informed about security updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, practicing robust security measures, such as conducting regular security audits, implementing least privilege access controls, and providing security awareness training to users, can enhance overall defense against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Google Android is expected to release patches and updates to address CVE-2023-21249. It is crucial for users to promptly apply these patches to their systems to mitigate the risk of exploitation and ensure the security of their devices.