CVE-2023-21208 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2023
In setCountryCodeInternal of sta_iface.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to improper input validation. 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-262245254
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21208 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Android operating system's wireless networking subsystem. This issue resides in the setCountryCodeInternal function of the sta_iface.cpp file, which forms part of the Android 13 operating system's Wi-Fi framework. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize country code parameters passed to the wireless interface management component. Such insufficient validation creates a scenario where malicious inputs can traverse memory boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive system information to unauthorized processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when the system processes country code parameters without adequate bounds checking. When an attacker can manipulate the country code input to the wireless interface, the improper validation allows memory access beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This flaw operates at the system level with execution privileges required for exploitation, indicating that the vulnerability can only be triggered by processes with elevated system permissions. However, the potential for information disclosure remains significant as the out-of-bounds read could expose kernel memory contents, including potentially sensitive configuration data, cryptographic keys, or system state information that could aid further exploitation attempts.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to Android devices running Android 13, particularly in environments where system-level access might be compromised. The lack of user interaction requirement for exploitation means that the vulnerability can be leveraged through automated attacks or by processes that have already gained system privileges. The Android ID A-262245254 indicates this issue was properly tracked and classified by Google's security team, highlighting the severity of the potential information disclosure impact. The vulnerability's location within the sta_iface.cpp file suggests it affects the station interface management component, which handles Wi-Fi client operations and could potentially expose sensitive wireless configuration data or system memory contents to unauthorized access.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the wireless interface management code. The recommended approach involves strengthening the parameter validation logic in the setCountryCodeInternal function to ensure all country code inputs are properly validated against expected ranges and formats. Additionally, memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and memory sanitization tools should be enhanced to detect and prevent similar out-of-bounds access patterns. The fix should align with common weakness enumeration CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and should be implemented following the principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework's system information discovery tactics. Organizations should prioritize applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address this vulnerability promptly, as the information disclosure potential could enable more sophisticated attacks targeting system integrity and user privacy.