CVE-2023-21314 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
In Bluetooth, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with System 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-2023-21314 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Bluetooth protocol implementations that demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and memory management practices. This issue resides in the core Bluetooth stack where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious data sequences to trigger memory access violations that can be exploited to extract sensitive information from system memory. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the Bluetooth subsystem processes incoming packets without proper validation of data boundaries, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-129, which categorizes issues related to insufficient bounds checking in array indexing operations. This particular vulnerability operates at the kernel level where Bluetooth services run with system execution privileges, making the potential impact significantly more severe than typical user-space vulnerabilities. The absence of proper bounds validation means that when malformed Bluetooth packets are received, the system attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing kernel memory contents including cryptographic keys, session tokens, and other sensitive system information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to organizations relying on Bluetooth connectivity as it requires no user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth devices are automatically paired and connected. The local information disclosure capability means that an attacker positioned within the Bluetooth range could potentially extract confidential data from systems without requiring physical access or additional attack vectors. This vulnerability essentially undermines the security boundary that should exist between user applications and system-level resources, particularly when Bluetooth services operate with elevated privileges.
The exploitation of CVE-2023-21314 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which involves command and control communications through remote services, although in this case the attack vector is more subtle and involves information extraction rather than direct command execution. The vulnerability's classification as requiring system execution privileges indicates that it likely affects kernel-level Bluetooth drivers or system services that operate with administrative rights, making the information disclosure potentially more impactful than similar issues in user-space applications. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of lateral movement strategies where attackers might use such information to escalate privileges or conduct more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms within Bluetooth protocol stacks, including bounds checking for all incoming data streams and regular firmware updates from device manufacturers. System administrators should prioritize patch management for Bluetooth components and consider network segmentation to limit Bluetooth exposure where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the CERT Secure Coding Standards, particularly those addressing memory safety and input validation. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments of wireless infrastructure components to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components.