CVE-2023-21050 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2023
In load_png_image of ExynosHWCHelper.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-244423702References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21050 resides within the ExynosHWCHelper.cpp file, specifically in the load_png_image function which handles PNG image loading operations on Android devices. This flaw represents a critical security issue that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms, allowing an attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects Android kernel implementations and has been assigned Android ID A-244423702, indicating its significance within the Android security framework. The out of bounds write condition occurs when the system processes PNG image data without proper bounds checking, creating opportunities for memory corruption that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where the load_png_image function fails to validate the size or structure of incoming PNG data before attempting to write to memory locations. This improper validation allows attackers to craft specially malformed PNG files that can trigger memory corruption when processed by the Exynos hardware helper component. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that an attacker with minimal system access could potentially leverage this flaw to gain system-level privileges, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without requiring any form of social engineering or user engagement.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Android devices running affected kernel versions, as it creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code with system execution privileges. The exploitation of this flaw could result in complete system compromise, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of system files, or installation of persistent malware. The impact extends beyond individual device security to potentially affect entire device fleets, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple devices may be running vulnerable Android versions. Security researchers have classified this issue as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for privilege escalation and the relatively straightforward exploitation methods available to attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21050 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Android kernel versions, with system administrators monitoring for security updates from device manufacturers and Google. The implementation of additional input validation measures and memory protection mechanisms can serve as interim defensive measures while awaiting official patches. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures tailored to address this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index, and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of this flaw in deployed systems, ensuring comprehensive protection against potential exploitation attempts.