CVE-2023-21152 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2023
In FaceStatsAnalyzer::InterpolateWeightList of face_stats_analyzer.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-269174022References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21152 resides within the FaceStatsAnalyzer::InterpolateWeightList function in the face_stats_analyzer.cc source file of Android kernel components. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that emerges from the absence of proper input validation mechanisms. The flaw occurs during the interpolation process of weight lists used in facial statistics analysis, where the system fails to verify array boundaries before accessing memory locations. Such missing bounds checking creates an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized data access through memory reads beyond allocated buffer limits. The vulnerability specifically affects Android kernel implementations and is catalogued under Android ID A-269174022, indicating its significance within the Android security framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overread scenario where the InterpolateWeightList function processes facial weight data without adequate validation of array indices or size parameters. When processing facial statistics, the system attempts to access memory locations that may exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially reading adjacent memory regions containing sensitive data. This type of flaw falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in software implementations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only user execution privileges, meaning an attacker with standard user-level access can potentially trigger the condition and extract information from adjacent memory segments. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without requiring direct user engagement or manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21152 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read could potentially expose sensitive kernel memory contents including cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory locations. This information disclosure vulnerability could enable attackers to gather intelligence about the system's internal state, potentially facilitating more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or further exploitation of adjacent vulnerabilities. The memory access pattern suggests that the extracted information might include system configuration details, process memory contents, or other sensitive operational data that could be leveraged for advanced persistent threats. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which focuses on data from local system, and could contribute to broader reconnaissance activities within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected Android kernel components, as the flaw represents a direct security risk that could be exploited without user interaction. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for unusual memory access patterns or unexpected data reads that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix should involve implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms in the InterpolateWeightList function to validate array indices before memory access operations. Additionally, defensive programming practices should be enforced throughout the Android kernel codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other functions. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and control flow integrity checks to further reduce the exploitation surface. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on memory safety patterns should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in the field.