CVE-2023-21160 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2023
In BuildSetTcsFci of protocolmiscbuilder.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a heap buffer overflow. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-263784118References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21160 resides within the Android kernel's protocolmiscbuilder.cpp file, specifically in the BuildSetTcsFci function. This represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition that manifests as an out-of-bounds read, creating potential security implications for Android devices. The flaw originates from improper bounds checking during memory allocation and data processing within the kernel's network protocol handling mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, which occurs when a program accesses memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This particular issue affects the Android kernel version and is tracked under Android ID A-263784118, indicating its severity and the need for immediate attention in the Android security ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow scenario where the BuildSetTcsFci function fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them within allocated memory buffers. When malicious data is passed to this function, it can cause the program to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive kernel memory contents to unauthorized access. The vulnerability does not require any special execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically during normal system operations. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the exploitation of legitimate system processes to gain access to sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially allow attackers to extract sensitive kernel data, including memory addresses, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information that might aid in further exploitation attempts. The local nature of the information disclosure means that an attacker would need physical access to the device or equivalent local privileges, but the lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation reduces the barrier to successful attack. This vulnerability affects the integrity of the Android kernel's memory management and could potentially serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities in the system. The nature of the heap buffer overflow also means that the vulnerability could potentially be exploited to cause system instability or crash the kernel, leading to denial of service conditions that would impact the device's operational capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21160 should focus on immediate patch deployment through Android security updates, which typically involve implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms in the BuildSetTcsFci function. System administrators should ensure that all Android devices receive the latest security patches from their respective vendors, particularly those devices running vulnerable kernel versions. Additional defensive measures include implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual system behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure means that device-level security measures such as secure boot and trusted execution environments can provide additional layers of protection. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other kernel components, as this represents a common class of vulnerabilities that require consistent attention in kernel security management.