CVE-2023-21403 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-21403, including its description, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-21403

CVE-2023-21403 is a security vulnerability identified in the Android operating system that allows for an elevation of privilege attack. This CVE record was published by Google Android on December 4, 2023.

What is CVE-2023-21403?

The vulnerability labeled as CVE-2023-21403 resides in the RGXDestroyZSBufferKM function within rgxta3d.c. It enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code without requiring additional execution privileges, potentially leading to local escalation of privilege within the kernel. Notably, the exploitation of this vulnerability does not necessitate user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21403

Exploiting CVE-2023-21403 could result in an attacker gaining elevated privileges within the Android operating system, allowing them to perform unauthorized actions and potentially compromise the security and integrity of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21403

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in RGXDestroyZSBufferKM of rgxta3d.c enables arbitrary code execution within the Android operating system, leading to a possible escalation of privilege without the need for additional execution privileges or user interaction.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is Google's Android operating system, particularly the versions featuring the Android SoC. This vulnerability impacts specific versions of the Android OS, potentially leaving devices vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21403 involves leveraging the uncaught exception in the RGXDestroyZSBufferKM function to execute arbitrary code, ultimately enabling an attacker to escalate their privileges within the kernel.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against the risks posed by CVE-2023-21403, it is crucial to follow immediate steps, adopt long-term security practices, and prioritize patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions should include applying security patches provided by Google for the affected Android versions, monitoring for any suspicious activities, and ensuring access controls are in place to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures such as regular security audits, penetration testing, enforcing the principle of least privilege, and promoting security awareness among users can help strengthen the overall security posture of the Android environment.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating the Android operating system to the latest secure versions released by Google is crucial to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21403. Prompt installation of security patches can help prevent exploitation and enhance the resilience of the system against potential threats.