CVE-2023-21394 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published by Google Android on October 30, 2023. It involves an information disclosure vulnerability in Android versions 11, 12, 12L, and 13, allowing the potential exposure of images from one user to another due to a missing permission check in the registerPhoneAccount function of TelecomServiceImpl.java.

Understanding CVE-2023-21394

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-21394, highlighting the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21394?

The CVE-2023-21394 vulnerability in Android's TelecomServiceImpl.java could lead to local information disclosure without requiring additional execution privileges. The issue stems from a missing permission check in the registerPhoneAccount function, enabling the exposure of images from one user to another.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21394

The impact of CVE-2023-21394 revolves around the potential exploitation of the vulnerability to reveal images from one user to another on affected Android versions 11, 12, 12L, and 13. This information disclosure could compromise user privacy and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21394

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21394, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in registerPhoneAccount of TelecomServiceImpl.java allows an attacker to reveal images from another user without the need for additional execution privileges. This presents a risk of local information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

CVE-2023-21394 impacts Android versions 11, 12, 12L, and 13. Users on these versions are susceptible to the information disclosure vulnerability if exploited by a malicious actor.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21394 does not require user interaction, making it a concerning issue as it can potentially be leveraged by threat actors to access images from another user without proper permission checks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-21394 and protect systems from potential exploitation, it is essential to implement specific mitigation and prevention measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and organizations should apply security patches provided by Google for the affected Android versions promptly. Additionally, monitoring for any unauthorized image access is crucial to detect and respond to any exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, practicing robust security measures such as regular security updates, implementing least privilege access controls, and conducting security audits can help mitigate the risks associated with information disclosure vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Google has released patches addressing CVE-2023-21394 in the affected Android versions. It is critical for users to apply these patches as soon as possible to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance the overall security posture of their devices.