CVE-2023-21288 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-21288 was published on August 14, 2023, by Google Android. The vulnerability exists in the visitUris function of Notification.java, potentially allowing for image disclosure across users due to a missing permission check. This vulnerability could result in local information disclosure without the need for user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-21288

This section will delve into what CVE-2023-21288 is and the impact it can have on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-21288?

CVE-2023-21288 is a vulnerability found in the visitUris function of Notification.java in the Android operating system. It allows for the potential disclosure of images across users due to a missing permission check. The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to local information disclosure with User execution privileges required and no user interaction needed for exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21288

The impact of CVE-2023-21288 lies in the potential leakage of images across users on affected Android systems. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and compromise user privacy.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21288

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21288, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the visitUris function of Notification.java allows for the disclosure of images across users without the necessary permission check. This flaw could enable an attacker to access sensitive image data locally.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems by CVE-2023-21288 include Android versions 13, 12L, 12, and 11. Users on these versions are at risk of image disclosure across users.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21288 does not require any user interaction. By leveraging the missing permission check in the visitUris function of Notification.java, an attacker could reveal images across users on vulnerable Android systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section covers the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-21288, ensuring the security of affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to apply security updates provided by Google for the affected Android versions immediately. Additionally, monitoring access to image data and enforcing strict permission checks can help mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a robust security posture, including regular security assessments and awareness training for users, can enhance the long-term security of systems. Employing secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software can also reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Google has released patches addressing the vulnerability in Android versions 13, 12L, 12, and 11. Users should promptly install these security updates to protect their devices from the potential disclosure of images across users.