CVE-2023-21291 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-21291, which affects Google's Android operating system.

Understanding CVE-2023-21291

CVE-2023-21291 is a security vulnerability classified as an information disclosure issue within the Android operating system. The vulnerability specifically impacts the visitUris function within Notification.java, potentially allowing an attacker to access and reveal image contents from another user without the necessary permission checks. Exploiting this vulnerability could result in local information disclosure, requiring User execution privileges but not user interaction.

What is CVE-2023-21291?

The CVE-2023-21291 vulnerability arises from a missing permission check in the visitUris function of Notification.java, enabling unauthorized access to image contents from a different user within the Android operating system. This can lead to local information disclosure, posing a risk to user privacy and data security.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21291

The impact of CVE-2023-21291 is significant as it could allow malicious actors to obtain sensitive image data from other users on the affected Android devices. This type of information disclosure can compromise user privacy and potentially lead to further exploitation of the disclosed data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21291

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21291, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in visitUris of Notification.java allows unauthorized access to image contents from other users, leading to local information disclosure. User execution privileges are required for successful exploitation, with no user interaction necessary.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google's Android operating system versions 11, 12, 12L, and 13 are impacted by CVE-2023-21291. Users utilizing these specific versions are susceptible to the information disclosure vulnerability associated with the visitUris function.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21291 involves leveraging the missing permission check in the visitUris function of Notification.java to access and reveal image contents from another user. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data without the user's interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-21291 and enhance security measures, prompt mitigation steps, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and organizations are advised to apply security patches, updates, or workarounds provided by Google for the affected Android versions promptly. Implementing access controls and restricting privileges can help mitigate the risk of information disclosure.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, maintaining up-to-date software versions, conducting regular security assessments, and educating users on safe computing practices are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities and enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Google has likely released security patches or updates to address CVE-2023-21291. Users should ensure their Android devices are updated with the latest software versions to mitigate the risk of information disclosure and enhance system security.