CVE-2023-21179 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2023
In parseSecurityParamsFromXml of XmlUtil.java, there is a possible bypass of user specified wifi encryption protocol due to improperly used crypto. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-272755865
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21179 resides within the Android operating system's wifi security parameter parsing functionality, specifically in the XmlUtil.java file where the parseSecurityParamsFromXml method processes wifi configuration data. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for improper cryptographic implementation during wifi network security protocol validation. The vulnerability stems from how the system handles user-specified wifi encryption protocols, creating a potential bypass mechanism that undermines the intended security controls. The issue affects Android 13 systems and is catalogued under Android ID A-272755865, indicating its significance within the Android security framework.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability involves improper cryptographic usage during the parsing of wifi security parameters from xml configuration files. When the XmlUtil.java component processes wifi security settings, it fails to properly validate or enforce the specified encryption protocols, allowing malicious actors to potentially override or bypass the intended security measures. This cryptographic flaw enables an attacker to manipulate the wifi security configuration in a way that permits less secure protocols to be accepted or enforced, even when users explicitly specify stronger encryption methods. The vulnerability operates at the configuration parsing level, where xml input containing wifi security parameters is processed without adequate validation of the cryptographic settings.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for local privilege escalation attacks, as it requires no additional execution privileges beyond what is normally available to a user. The lack of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it can be triggered automatically when wifi configurations are processed or applied. An attacker could potentially leverage this flaw to downgrade wifi security protocols, intercept network traffic, or gain unauthorized access to network resources that should be protected by stronger encryption. The impact extends beyond simple configuration bypass, as it fundamentally undermines the wifi security model that users rely on for network protection.
The security implications of CVE-2023-21179 align with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in system implementations, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1046 for network service scanning and T1566 for credential access through social engineering. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Android security patches, monitoring for unauthorized wifi configuration changes, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such bypasses. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation in cryptographic contexts and the need for robust security parameter enforcement in mobile operating systems. System administrators should consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous wifi security protocol changes that could indicate exploitation attempts.