CVE-2023-21295 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
In SliceManagerService, there is a possible way to check if a content provider is installed due to a missing null check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21295 resides within the SliceManagerService component of Android systems, representing a critical information disclosure weakness that stems from inadequate input validation. This flaw manifests as a missing null check within the content provider verification mechanism, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The vulnerability specifically affects the SliceManagerService which is responsible for managing and displaying slice data within the Android framework, making it a core component of the user interface system. The absence of proper null validation during content provider checks creates a pathway for attackers to enumerate installed applications and their associated content providers through indirect means.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the SliceManagerService processes requests to verify content provider availability without first validating whether the provider reference is null or properly initialized. This missing validation step creates a potential information leak where attackers can determine the presence of specific content providers on the device, effectively exposing metadata about installed applications and their underlying data structures. The flaw operates at the system level within the Android framework, leveraging the inherent trust relationships between system components to bypass normal access controls. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-476 which addresses NULL Pointer Dereference, while the ATT&CK framework would categorize this under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery as the attack vector involves gathering information about installed components.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21295 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables adversaries to build comprehensive profiles of target devices by identifying installed applications and their content provider configurations. This information can serve as a foundation for subsequent attacks, including application-specific exploits or targeted social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability's local nature means that exploitation requires no network connectivity or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by malicious applications already present on the device or through system-level attacks. Attackers can utilize this information to craft more sophisticated attacks that target specific applications or to establish persistence mechanisms by understanding the device's content provider landscape. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21295 should focus on implementing proper null checks within the SliceManagerService component to validate content provider references before processing them. System administrators and developers should ensure that all input validation occurs at appropriate layers within the Android framework, particularly in system services that handle inter-application communication. The Android security team has addressed this vulnerability through system updates that enforce proper null checking mechanisms, requiring device owners to apply the latest security patches to eliminate the risk. Organizations should implement continuous monitoring of their Android environments to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date security configurations. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive code reviews and security testing, particularly for system-level components that handle sensitive information and maintain trust relationships between applications. Regular security assessments should include verification of null check implementations and proper input validation across all system services to prevent similar issues from emerging in the future.