CVE-2023-20923 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2023
In exported content providers of ShannonRcs, there is a possible way to get access to protected content providers due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-246933910References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20923 affects the ShannonRcs exported content providers within Android systems, representing a critical permissions bypass flaw that undermines the security model of the operating system. This issue resides in the Android kernel and specifically targets the content provider mechanism that controls access to application data and resources. The vulnerability stems from improper permission checking within the exported content providers, which are designed to allow other applications to access specific data while maintaining appropriate security boundaries. When content providers are exported without proper access controls, they create potential entry points for unauthorized data access that can bypass the normal Android security model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental flaw in how Android's content provider security is enforced, particularly within the ShannonRcs component that manages RCS (Rich Communication Services) functionality. The flaw allows an attacker to access protected content providers through unauthorized pathways that should normally be restricted to specific applications or users with appropriate privileges. This bypass occurs at the kernel level where the permission checking mechanisms fail to properly validate access requests, enabling local information disclosure without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability's exploitation does not necessitate any special user actions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically when the affected content providers are accessed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Android's security architecture that can potentially expose sensitive user data and application resources. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to protected content providers that may contain personal information, communication data, or other sensitive resources that should remain restricted. The local nature of the information disclosure means that an attacker with local access to the device can exploit this vulnerability without requiring network connectivity or remote attack vectors, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security. This vulnerability effectively weakens the application sandboxing model that Android employs to protect user data and maintain privacy boundaries between applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-20923 should focus on implementing proper access controls and permission checking within exported content providers, following the principle of least privilege as outlined in security best practices. Android developers and system administrators should review all exported content providers to ensure that appropriate permission checks are in place and that access is restricted to authorized applications only. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through application vulnerabilities. Regular security audits of content provider implementations, proper code review processes, and adherence to Android security guidelines are essential for preventing similar issues. Additionally, system updates and patches should be applied promptly to address this vulnerability, as it represents a known weakness in the Android kernel that can be exploited by malicious actors to compromise device security and user privacy.