CVE-2023-21371 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on October 30, 2023, by Google's Android team. It involves a vulnerability in Secure Element that could potentially lead to an elevation of privilege without the need for user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-21371

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2023-21371 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21371?

CVE-2023-21371 is a vulnerability found in Secure Element in Google's Android version 14. The issue arises from a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. Exploiting this vulnerability could result in a local escalation of privilege, requiring System execution privileges without the need for user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21371

The impact of CVE-2023-21371 is significant as it could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected device without requiring any user interaction. This privilege escalation could be exploited for malicious purposes, posing a risk to the security and integrity of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21371

In this section, we will explore the technical details related to CVE-2023-21371, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Secure Element that leads to CVE-2023-21371 is caused by an integer overflow, resulting in a possible out of bounds write. This flaw opens up the potential for local privilege escalation on the Android system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google's Android version 14 is confirmed to be affected by CVE-2023-21371. Users operating on this version may be susceptible to exploitation if the necessary security patches are not applied promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires System execution privileges, without the need for any user interaction. This makes it easier for attackers to elevate their privileges on the affected device, posing a significant security risk.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from the risks associated with CVE-2023-21371, it is essential to implement immediate steps, follow long-term security practices, and ensure timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should apply security patches provided by Google promptly to address the CVE-2023-21371 vulnerability.
Implementing least privilege access controls and restricting unnecessary permissions can help mitigate the risk of privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
Keeping systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates is crucial in maintaining a secure environment.

Patching and Updates

Google Android users should monitor official security bulletins and apply relevant patches as soon as they are released.
Ensuring a robust patch management process can help prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21371.