CVE-2023-21307 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
In Bluetooth, there is a possible way for a paired Bluetooth device to access a long term identifier for an Android device due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21307 represents a significant security weakness within the Bluetooth implementation of Android devices, specifically concerning the handling of long term identifiers. This issue falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities and demonstrates a critical flaw in the permission model that governs Bluetooth device interactions. The vulnerability exists within the Android operating system's Bluetooth stack where proper access controls fail to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive cryptographic identifiers that should remain protected from paired devices.
The technical flaw manifests as a permissions bypass that allows a malicious or compromised paired Bluetooth device to extract the long term identifier from an Android device without requiring any additional privileges or execution capabilities. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the security architecture where the system fails to properly enforce access controls for cryptographic material that is essential for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of Bluetooth connections. The long term identifier in question serves as a critical component in Bluetooth security protocols and is typically protected to prevent unauthorized access that could lead to session hijacking or other advanced attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects how the Android Bluetooth subsystem manages access to this identifier, creating an exploitable condition where the permissions model is insufficient to protect sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks that could compromise the overall Bluetooth security posture of affected devices. An attacker with access to a paired device could potentially use the extracted long term identifier to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, impersonate legitimate Bluetooth devices, or gain deeper insights into the device's Bluetooth communication patterns. This vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, meaning that a paired device must be present and actively participating in the attack scenario, but once initiated, it could provide attackers with persistent access to critical Bluetooth security components. The lack of additional execution privileges required for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be leveraged by attackers with minimal technical sophistication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21307 should focus on implementing proper access control measures within the Bluetooth subsystem and ensuring that cryptographic identifiers are adequately protected from unauthorized access. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize updating affected Android devices with the latest security patches that address the permissions bypass issue. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which describes improper access control, and could potentially be leveraged as part of broader attack chains that follow ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual Bluetooth activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be advised to carefully manage their paired Bluetooth devices and regularly review device pairings to minimize the attack surface. The security community should monitor for any related vulnerabilities that might compound the risks associated with this permissions bypass, as the long term identifier is often used in conjunction with other Bluetooth security mechanisms that could be compromised if not properly protected.