CVE-2023-21379 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-21379, including its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-21379

CVE-2023-21379 is a security vulnerability identified in the Google Android operating system that could potentially lead to information disclosure. This CVE specifically pertains to a flaw in the Bluetooth component of Android.

What is CVE-2023-21379?

The vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-21379 involves a missing bounds check in the Bluetooth server of Android. Due to this issue, there is a possible out-of-bounds read, which could result in local information disclosure. It's important to note that the exploitation of this vulnerability requires system execution privileges, and user interaction is not necessary for exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21379

The impact of CVE-2023-21379 is significant as it could potentially allow an attacker to access sensitive information stored on the affected Android device. This information disclosure could lead to privacy breaches and the unauthorized access of user data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21379

The following technical details provide insight into the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-21379 is centered around an out-of-bounds read in the Bluetooth server of Android. This flaw occurs due to a missing bounds check, which allows an attacker to potentially access unintended information.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system in this case is Google's Android operating system, specifically version 14. It's important to note that only devices running Android version 14 are vulnerable to this particular security issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-21379 requires the attacker to have system execution privileges on the target device. With this level of access, the attacker can leverage the missing bounds check in the Bluetooth server to gain access to sensitive information without requiring any user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21379, it is crucial to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Android devices running version 14 to the latest security patches provided by Google.
Disable Bluetooth connectivity when not in use to reduce the attack surface.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the device that might indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates released by Google for the Android operating system.
Implement a comprehensive mobile device security policy that includes regular security patches and updates.
Conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in the system.

Patching and Updates

Google has released patches addressing CVE-2023-21379 in the Android 14 security bulletin. It is highly recommended to apply these patches promptly to safeguard devices against potential exploitation of this vulnerability.