CVE-2023-21131 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2023
In checkKeyIntentParceledCorrectly() of ActivityManagerService.java, there is a possible bypass of Parcel Mismatch mitigations due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege and the ability to launch arbitrary activities in settings 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-265015796
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21131 resides within the ActivityManagerService.java component of Android operating systems spanning versions 11 through 13. This flaw manifests in the checkKeyIntentParceledCorrectly() method where a logic error compromises the integrity of Parcel mismatch mitigations. The security implications of this vulnerability extend beyond typical application boundaries as it creates a pathway for local privilege escalation. Attackers can exploit this weakness to launch arbitrary activities within settings contexts without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction, fundamentally undermining the operating system's security model.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the flawed logic implementation within the parcel validation mechanism that governs how intent parameters are processed and verified during activity launching operations. This logic error creates a condition where the system fails to properly validate the consistency of parcel data structures, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the intent parameters in ways that should otherwise be prevented. The vulnerability specifically targets the Android framework's activity management service, which serves as the core component responsible for handling application lifecycle events and inter-process communication. This represents a critical weakness in the system's defense-in-depth approach, as it bypasses the intended security checks that should prevent unauthorized activity execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21131 is severe and multifaceted, particularly given that it enables local privilege escalation without user interaction requirements. An attacker with local access to an Android device can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary activities with elevated privileges, potentially gaining access to sensitive system functions and data. The ability to launch activities within settings contexts means that threat actors could potentially access or modify critical system configurations, user preferences, or sensitive application data. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the Android security model's fundamental assumptions about process isolation and access control. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, allowing for rapid deployment of malicious activities.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a classic example of insufficient validation or incorrect logic that allows privilege escalation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique, specifically mapping to T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and potentially T1548.002 (Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism) given the bypass of system security controls. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates how seemingly minor logic errors in core system components can create significant security risks, particularly when they affect fundamental security mechanisms like parcel validation and intent processing. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a critical threat to Android device security and could enable more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration, system compromise, or persistent access to affected devices. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Android versions indicates a widespread risk that requires immediate attention from device manufacturers, carriers, and end-users to maintain security posture.