CVE-2023-21079 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2023
In rtt_unpack_xtlv_cbfn of dhd_rtt.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. 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-254839721References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21079 represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition within the Android kernel's wireless networking subsystem. This flaw exists in the rtt_unpack_xtlv_cbfn function located in the dhd_rtt.c source file, which handles wireless round-trip time measurements for Bluetooth Low Energy positioning services. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking when processing incoming wireless protocol data structures, specifically affecting the handling of extended type-length-value formatted data packets used in wireless location services.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic heap buffer overflow scenario where maliciously crafted wireless data packets can cause the function to write beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a heap-allocated buffer. This occurs when the function processes extended type-length-value structures without proper validation of the data length fields, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates within kernel space where the attacker can leverage the overflow to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation vector indicates that exploitation requires system execution privileges but does not necessitate user interaction, making it particularly concerning for embedded systems and mobile devices where kernel-level access is more readily available.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable complete system compromise. Attackers who can access the wireless subsystem can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries. The vulnerability affects Android kernel versions and represents a significant risk to mobile devices that utilize wireless positioning services, including smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices that rely on Bluetooth Low Energy for location-based services. The Android ID A-254839721 indicates this vulnerability was tracked through Android's internal security reporting system, highlighting its severity and the need for immediate patching across affected device fleets.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of kernel security patches provided by device manufacturers and Google. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected Android devices to the latest security patches, particularly focusing on kernel-level updates that address the buffer overflow in the wireless subsystem. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous wireless data patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while device security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that wireless services are properly restricted. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures including runtime protections, memory corruption detection, and regular security audits of kernel components. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit wireless access points and reduce the attack surface for exploitation attempts targeting this specific kernel vulnerability.