CVE-2023-21364 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides insights into CVE-2023-21364, a published vulnerability assigned by google_android on October 30, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-21364

CVE-2023-21364 is a vulnerability that affects Google's Android version 14. It involves a potential crash loop in ContactsProvider, leading to local persistent denial of service in the Phone app. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user execution privileges but does not necessitate user interaction.

What is CVE-2023-21364?

CVE-2023-21364 refers to a flaw within ContactsProvider on Android 14, which could result in a crash loop due to resource exhaustion. This loophole could be exploited to trigger local denial of service within the Phone app.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21364

The impact of CVE-2023-21364 is significant as it creates a potential pathway for malicious actors to disrupt the functionality of the Phone app through a crash loop, ultimately leading to a denial of service condition on the device.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21364

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21364, outlining the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with this security issue.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in ContactsProvider on Android 14 can trigger a crash loop, resulting from resource exhaustion. This can potentially lead to a local persistent denial of service within the Phone app.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google's Android version 14 is the affected system by CVE-2023-21364. Devices running this specific version are susceptible to the crash loop vulnerability within ContactsProvider.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21364, an attacker would require user execution privileges on the device. By leveraging this vulnerability, an adversary could initiate a crash loop in ContactsProvider, causing a denial of service in the Phone app without the need for user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

In order to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-21364, it is essential to implement immediate steps, enforce long-term security practices, and prioritize patching and updates for affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to monitor for security updates related to CVE-2023-21364 and apply patches promptly. Additionally, restricting user privileges and access permissions can help reduce the likelihood of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Adopting a proactive approach to security, which includes regular security assessments, threat monitoring, and awareness training for users, can strengthen the overall security posture of the system and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by Google for Android 14 is essential to address CVE-2023-21364. Timely installation of patches can help mitigate the vulnerability and enhance the resilience of the system against potential threats.