CVE-2023-21069 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2023
In wl_update_hidden_ap_ie of wl_cfgscan.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. 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-254029309References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21069 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Android kernel's wireless networking subsystem. This issue resides in the wl_update_hidden_ap_ie function located in the wl_cfgscan.c source file, which handles the configuration and management of wireless access point information elements. The flaw stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms that should validate input data before writing to memory locations. When processing wireless network information elements for hidden access points, the function fails to verify that the data being written remains within allocated memory boundaries, creating a potential avenue for arbitrary memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs within the context of kernel space operations where wireless network scanning and configuration take place. The missing bounds check allows an attacker to potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations with malformed data, which could result in unpredictable behavior including system crashes, memory corruption, or more severe privilege escalation scenarios. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write conditions, which are particularly dangerous in kernel contexts where memory corruption can directly lead to system compromise. The vulnerability requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that it operates at a privileged level within the kernel space where wireless network operations are handled.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Android devices running affected kernel versions, as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that could allow malicious actors with local system access to gain elevated privileges. The attack vector does not require user interaction, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically when wireless scanning operations occur. The impact extends beyond simple system instability to potentially full system compromise, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the exploitation of local privilege escalation opportunities, and T1059 which covers execution through system commands and scripts.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21069 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the wl_update_hidden_ap_ie function and related wireless scanning operations. Android vendors should prioritize the immediate deployment of kernel patches that introduce validation checks for input data lengths before memory writes occur. System administrators should monitor for the specific Android kernel version identifiers that contain this vulnerability and ensure timely patching of affected devices. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, memory protection mechanisms, and kernel address space layout randomization could provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability represents a critical security gap that requires immediate attention from device manufacturers and security teams to prevent potential exploitation by threat actors seeking to establish persistent kernel-level access to Android devices.