CVE-2023-20949 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 02/15/2023
In s2mpg11_pmic_probe of s2mpg11-regulator.c, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a heap buffer overflow. 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-259323133References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-20949 represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition within the s2mpg11 regulator driver component of the Android kernel. This issue manifests specifically in the s2mpg11_pmic_probe function located in the s2mpg11-regulator.c source file, where improper bounds checking allows for unauthorized memory access patterns that can result in information disclosure. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information exposure. The affected Android kernel component is part of the power management infrastructure responsible for regulating voltage levels in mobile devices through the S2MPG11 PMIC (Power Management IC) controller.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate validation of buffer boundaries during the probe initialization sequence of the regulator driver. When the kernel attempts to initialize the S2MPG11 PMIC controller, the s2mpg11_pmic_probe function processes input data without sufficient bounds checking, allowing a heap buffer overflow condition to occur. This overflow enables an attacker to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive kernel memory contents including cryptographic keys, credential information, or other confidential data structures. The vulnerability does not require any special execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically during normal system boot processes or power management operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-20949 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental security weakness in the kernel's memory management and input validation processes. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the device's memory space, potentially including device-specific identifiers, cryptographic material, or other confidential data that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability affects Android devices that utilize the S2MPG11 PMIC controller, which is commonly found in various smartphone and tablet models from different manufacturers. This type of information disclosure attack aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1005 category for Data from Local System, where adversaries collect information from the local system environment to aid in subsequent attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-20949 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking within the s2mpg11_pmic_probe function and ensuring that all buffer operations are validated against their declared sizes. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying kernel patches that address the specific buffer overflow condition in the regulator driver. The recommended approach includes implementing defensive programming practices such as using safe string handling functions, adding explicit bounds validation checks, and employing memory corruption detection mechanisms. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation and memory safety practices in kernel space code, as outlined in the Android Security Best Practices documentation and aligns with the principles of secure coding standards that emphasize preventing buffer overflows through proper resource management and validation techniques.