CVE-2023-21170 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2023
In executeSetClientTarget of ComposerCommandEngine.h, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-252764410
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21170 resides within the ComposerCommandEngine.h component of Android 13, specifically in the executeSetClientTarget function where a critical out-of-bounds read condition exists due to insufficient input validation. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability pattern that falls under CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking in array access operations. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes client target commands without proper validation of array indices, creating an opportunity for unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a missing bounds check that allows an attacker to manipulate input parameters to access memory locations beyond the allocated array boundaries. When the executeSetClientTarget function processes incoming commands, it fails to validate whether the specified client target index falls within acceptable parameters, enabling an attacker to read data from adjacent memory regions. This particular flaw requires system execution privileges for exploitation, indicating that it operates at a privileged system level where the attacker already possesses elevated access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to potential local information disclosure, where an attacker with system-level privileges could extract sensitive data from memory locations that should remain protected. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically through system processes or malicious applications running with appropriate privileges. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003.001, which covers OS credential dumping through direct memory access, and represents a significant risk for systems where privilege escalation has already occurred.
The affected Android 13 environment presents a substantial security risk given that this vulnerability operates within the system's core command execution framework. The Android ID A-252764410 indicates this issue was properly tracked and acknowledged by Google's security team, reflecting the severity of the potential information disclosure threat. The vulnerability's location in the ComposerCommandEngine.h file suggests it affects core system functionality related to command processing and client target management, potentially compromising the integrity of system-level operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the executeSetClientTarget function to validate all array access operations. Security patches should include proper input validation that ensures any client target index parameter falls within acceptable bounds before processing. Additionally, developers should implement defensive programming practices that include bounds verification for all array operations, particularly in system-level components that handle privileged commands. The fix should align with secure coding guidelines that prevent memory access violations and maintain system integrity through proper parameter validation. Organizations should prioritize applying the official Android security patches to address this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation that could lead to unauthorized data access and system compromise.