CVE-2023-21185 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2023
In multiple functions of WifiNetworkFactory.java, there is a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege from the guest user with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-266700762
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21185 resides within the WifiNetworkFactory.java component of Android 13 operating systems, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that undermines the system's security model. This issue affects the core network management functionality where multiple functions fail to perform adequate permission verification before executing sensitive operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the guest user context, which typically operates with minimal privileges and restricted access rights, yet allows for unauthorized elevation to higher privilege levels without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of proper access control checks within the WifiNetworkFactory.java implementation, which governs how wireless network connections are established and managed within the Android framework. This missing permission validation creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate network configuration parameters that should only be accessible to system-level processes or users with appropriate administrative privileges. The vulnerability operates at the system level where network factory functions handle critical operations such as connection establishment, configuration modification, and network parameter adjustments that can directly impact system security posture and network isolation policies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the Android security model's principle of least privilege and mandatory access controls. Attackers exploiting this flaw can manipulate wireless network configurations, potentially intercept network traffic, alter network settings, or establish unauthorized connections that bypass normal security restrictions. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without any human intervention, enabling remote exploitation scenarios and automated attack vectors. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system-level vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21185 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Android security updates, as this vulnerability represents a critical threat to device security. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized network configuration changes and establish baseline network states to identify potential exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes applying the latest Android security patches, implementing network segmentation policies, and conducting thorough security assessments of wireless network configurations. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious network activity patterns and ensure proper access controls are maintained through regular security audits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive permission checking in system-level components and highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices that enforce proper access control mechanisms.