CVE-2023-21028 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2023
In parse_printerAttributes of ipphelper.c, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a string without a null-terminator. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-180680572
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21028 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the IPP helper component of Android's printing subsystem. This flaw exists in the parse_printerAttributes function located in the ipphelper.c source file, where improper handling of string data structures creates opportunities for memory access violations. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental failure to properly null-terminate strings before processing them, creating a scenario where the application attempts to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This particular weakness falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in software implementations, and more broadly relates to CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates within the printing helper functionality that is integral to Android's print management system, making it accessible through normal printing operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability does not require any special privileges or user interaction, as the flaw exists within the system's core printing infrastructure that operates automatically. An attacker could potentially craft malicious print jobs or printer configurations that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition, leading to information disclosure from adjacent memory regions. The absence of required execution privileges makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through legitimate system interfaces without needing to escalate privileges or perform complex attack chains. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, though in this case the exploitation occurs through memory corruption rather than command execution. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it operates at the system level where sensitive data could be exposed through memory reads, potentially including credentials, application data, or system configuration information.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21028 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within the Android ecosystem. Since the vulnerability exists in the core IPP helper functionality, any application or service that interacts with network printers or print services could become a vector for exploitation. The lack of user interaction requirements means that this vulnerability could be exploited in passive scenarios where an attacker simply needs to send a specially crafted print job to a vulnerable device. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where shared printing infrastructure is common, as a single compromised print server could potentially expose information from multiple connected devices. The vulnerability affects Android 13 specifically, indicating that device manufacturers and security teams need to prioritize patch deployment for affected systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual print job patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could potentially be leveraged to gather intelligence about device configurations and network topologies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21028 should focus on immediate patch deployment from Google, as well as network-level protections to monitor and restrict potentially malicious print job submissions. System administrators should implement strict printer access controls and monitor print queues for anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that defensive measures should include input validation improvements and bounds checking enhancements within the printing subsystem. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious print protocol communications that might indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Given the zero-privilege exploitation requirement, organizations should also review their print server configurations and implement additional authentication layers where possible to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure means that organizations should also consider the broader implications for data privacy and security compliance, particularly in regulated environments where unauthorized information disclosure could result in significant compliance violations.