CVE-2023-21143 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2023
In multiple functions of multiple files, there is a possible way to make the device unusable due to improper input validation. This could lead to local denial of service 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-268193777
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2023
This vulnerability resides within the Android operating system's core framework where multiple functions across various files exhibit inadequate input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests when the system processes user-provided data without proper sanitization or verification, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to craft specific inputs that trigger system instability. The vulnerability is categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-20, which represents "Improper Input Validation," a fundamental security weakness that affects numerous software components. The affected Android versions include Android 11 through Android 13, indicating this issue spans multiple generations of the mobile operating system and affects a substantial user base.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for local denial of service conditions through what appears to be carefully constructed inputs that bypass normal validation checks. When the system encounters malformed or unexpected data within the affected functions, it fails to properly handle these edge cases, potentially leading to crashes or complete system unresponsiveness. The exploitation requires no additional privileges beyond normal user access, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered by any application running on the device. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1499.004, which covers "Trusted Developer Utilities Proxy Execution," although the specific mechanism here involves system-level input validation failures rather than application proxying. The lack of user interaction requirement for exploitation means that simply having the vulnerable Android version installed on a device creates a potential attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can render devices completely unusable through carefully crafted inputs that cause system-level failures. This type of denial of service attack can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where multiple devices may be simultaneously affected, or in scenarios where devices are used in critical infrastructure applications. The vulnerability affects core system functions, meaning that exploitation could potentially impact device boot processes, system services, or critical user interfaces. Security researchers have identified that the Android ID A-268193777 specifically references this issue within Google's internal tracking system, indicating the severity and widespread nature of the problem across different Android versions and device manufacturers. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Android releases suggests that the underlying input validation flaws have not been adequately addressed in the system's core components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms across all system functions that process external data. Organizations should prioritize applying the latest security patches and updates from Google as soon as they become available, as these updates typically include fixes for such input validation issues. Device administrators should consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that applications running on these devices follow secure coding practices to minimize the risk of introducing additional vulnerabilities. The fix for this vulnerability likely involves implementing proper bounds checking, data type validation, and error handling mechanisms within the affected system functions. Security teams should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify any custom applications or modifications that might exacerbate the impact of this vulnerability. Regular security audits of system components and proactive monitoring for similar input validation weaknesses can help prevent future occurrences of this class of vulnerability, which is particularly important given the widespread nature of the affected Android versions.