CVE-2023-21071 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2023
In dhd_prot_ioctcmplt_process of dhd_msgbuf.c, 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-254028518References: N/A
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21071 resides within the Android kernel's wireless networking stack, specifically in the dhd_prot_ioctcmplt_process function located in dhd_msgbuf.c. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition, which occurs when the system fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables local privilege escalation, allowing an attacker with system execution privileges to potentially elevate their access level within the kernel space. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically without any direct user involvement.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer or array. The flaw exists in the message buffer processing mechanism that handles wireless communication protocols, specifically in how the system handles ioctl completion events. When processing certain input data structures, the kernel does not adequately validate the bounds of array indices or buffer sizes, allowing malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This improper input validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with kernel-level privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Android device security as it operates at the kernel level where the most critical system functions reside. The local escalation of privilege means that an attacker who has already gained access to a system user account could leverage this flaw to obtain root-level privileges, effectively bypassing all user-level security controls. The exploitation requires only system execution privileges, which are often more accessible than higher-privilege accounts, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire device fleets if the vulnerability exists in widely deployed kernel versions.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21071 should focus on immediate kernel updates and patches provided by device manufacturers. Organizations should prioritize applying security patches as soon as they become available through official Android security updates or vendor-specific patches. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or buffer overflow attempts can provide defensive measures against exploitation attempts. Network administrators should also consider implementing device isolation strategies and monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under privilege escalation techniques, specifically leveraging kernel vulnerabilities to gain elevated system access, making it a critical target for both preventive and detective security controls.