CVE-2023-21250 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2023
In gatt_end_operation of gatt_utils.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21250 resides within the Bluetooth GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) implementation in Google's Android operating system, specifically within the gatt_utils.cc source file. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow condition that occurs during the termination of GATT operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal Bluetooth communication channels.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check within the gatt_end_operation function, which is responsible for handling the cleanup and termination of Bluetooth GATT operations. When processing certain malformed GATT messages or sequences, the function fails to validate the boundaries of memory allocations before writing data to memory regions. This missing validation creates a scenario where an attacker can craft specific Bluetooth packets that cause the application to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer, resulting in an out of bounds write condition. Such conditions are particularly dangerous because they can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical data structures or executable code, which can then be leveraged to achieve arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21250 is severe and far-reaching across the Android ecosystem, as it affects devices running Android versions prior to the security patch release. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the flaw from outside the device's physical boundary, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth is actively used. Since no user interaction is required for exploitation, the vulnerability can be leveraged through automated attacks, potentially affecting large numbers of devices without the need for social engineering or targeted attacks. The flaw's presence in the core Bluetooth stack means that any application or service utilizing Bluetooth GATT functionality could be compromised, including but not limited to mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, and automotive systems that rely on Android-based Bluetooth implementations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes the classic stack-based buffer overflow condition, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through system commands. The lack of input validation and bounds checking in the GATT processing pipeline represents a fundamental security flaw that violates the principle of least privilege and proper memory management practices. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they often remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to develop sophisticated exploitation techniques before patches are widely deployed. Organizations and users should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement network segmentation controls to limit the potential attack surface for Bluetooth-based exploitation attempts.
The remediation approach for CVE-2023-21250 involves applying the official security patches provided by Google for affected Android versions, which typically include proper bounds checking mechanisms and memory validation routines within the GATT processing functions. System administrators should also consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and monitoring for anomalous GATT operation sequences that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all Android devices within their network infrastructure that may be susceptible to this class of attack, particularly those that maintain active Bluetooth connectivity in public or untrusted environments.