CVE-2023-21080 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 04/19/2023
In register_notification_rsp of btif_rc.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-245916076
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21080 resides within the Bluetooth implementation of Android operating systems, specifically within the btif_rc.cc source file where the register_notification_rsp function handles responses to Bluetooth remote control notifications. This issue represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the system fails to validate array indices before accessing memory locations, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized data exposure. The flaw affects multiple Android versions including Android 11 through Android 13, indicating a widespread impact across the platform's evolution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth remote control response handling code. When the system processes notification responses from Bluetooth devices, it attempts to read data from memory locations without verifying that the indices remain within the allocated array boundaries. This missing validation creates a scenario where an attacker could potentially manipulate the input data to trigger an out-of-bounds memory access, which in turn could result in information disclosure. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the Bluetooth interface, making it particularly concerning given the pervasive nature of Bluetooth connectivity in modern mobile devices.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local information disclosure without requiring any special privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal Bluetooth operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent. The lack of additional execution privileges needed means that any application or process with Bluetooth access could potentially exploit this flaw to extract sensitive information from system memory. This characteristic aligns with CWE-129, which addresses issues related to insufficient validation of array indices, and represents a significant concern for Android's security model where Bluetooth functionality is integral to device operations.
The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially expose sensitive system data that might be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this particularly concerning for mobile environments where devices are constantly communicating with various Bluetooth peripherals. Security professionals should note that this issue represents a potential entry point for attackers seeking to gather system information, which could then be used to plan more sophisticated attacks against the device or network. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android versions suggests that organizations should prioritize patching across their entire device fleet to mitigate this risk effectively.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the latest security patches from Google, monitoring Bluetooth-related system logs for anomalous activity, and conducting security assessments of Bluetooth implementations within their environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and information gathering techniques, where attackers could leverage such flaws to gain deeper insights into system configurations. Regular security updates and device management protocols should include verification of Bluetooth component integrity to prevent exploitation of similar out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities in the future.