CVE-2023-35665 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-35665, a security vulnerability impacting Google's Android operating system.

Understanding CVE-2023-35665

CVE-2023-35665 is classified as an elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting multiple versions of the Android platform. The vulnerability allows an attacker to import a contact from another user without the necessary permission check, potentially leading to a local escalation of privilege.

What is CVE-2023-35665?

In multiple files within the Android system, a missing permission check allows an attacker to import a contact from another user, leading to a local escalation of privilege. The exploitation does not require additional execution privileges or user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-35665

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for a malicious actor to gain elevated privileges on the local device, bypassing security measures and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the device.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-35665

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a missing permission check that allows unauthorized import of contacts from other users. This flaw can be exploited to achieve local escalation of privilege without the need for user interaction.

Affected Systems and Versions

Google's Android versions 11, 12, 12L, and 13 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users running these versions are at risk of exploitation if the necessary patches are not applied.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the missing permission check, an attacker can import contacts from other users without appropriate authorization, enabling them to escalate privileges locally on the device.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure systems against CVE-2023-35665, users and administrators should take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Google promptly to address the vulnerability in affected Android versions.
Monitor for any suspicious activities on devices that may indicate exploitation of the privilege escalation vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Android operating system to the latest versions to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls and permissions management to restrict unauthorized actions on the device.

Patching and Updates

Google has released patches to mitigate CVE-2023-35665. It is crucial for users to apply these patches to protect their devices from potential exploitation of the privilege escalation vulnerability.