CVE-2023-21187 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2023
In onCreate of UsbAccessoryUriActivity.java, there is a possible way to escape the Setup Wizard due to a logic error in the code. 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-246542917
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21187 resides within the onCreate method of UsbAccessoryUriActivity.java in Android 13 systems, representing a critical logic error that undermines the security boundaries established by the Setup Wizard. This flaw allows for potential privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective. The issue stems from improper validation mechanisms within the USB accessory URI handling process during the initial setup phase of Android devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a logical flaw in how the Setup Wizard validates USB accessory connections and URI processing. When a device undergoes the initial setup process, the UsbAccessoryUriActivity component is responsible for handling USB accessory connections and URI schemes that may be presented during this critical phase. The logic error occurs when the system fails to properly verify the authenticity or intended scope of USB accessory connections, potentially allowing malicious actors to bypass established security controls. This vulnerability operates at the system level where the setup wizard's security boundaries are compromised, creating an attack vector that can be exploited to gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21187 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Android devices during their initial provisioning phase. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, this vulnerability can be triggered automatically during device setup, potentially allowing attackers to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or gain persistent access to devices before users can establish proper security controls. The vulnerability affects Android 13 systems specifically, where the Setup Wizard's validation mechanisms are insufficient to prevent unauthorized access to system resources through USB accessory connections. This represents a significant risk to device security, as the initial setup phase is typically when users establish their security preferences and configurations.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a privilege escalation issue that could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1547.001 (Registry Run Keys/Startup Folder). The flaw demonstrates inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms that should be in place during the device setup process to prevent unauthorized system modifications. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader Android security posture assessment, particularly in environments where mobile device management and security controls are critical. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where devices may be provisioned automatically or in unattended settings, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21187 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through official Android security updates, as this vulnerability directly impacts the device's initial security configuration. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized USB accessory connections during device setup processes and consider additional security controls such as USB port restrictions or mandatory device encryption policies. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust access control mechanisms during critical system phases and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of setup wizards and initial configuration processes. Organizations should also consider implementing device integrity checks and regular security assessments to identify similar logical flaws that could potentially compromise system security boundaries during critical provisioning phases.