CVE-2023-21356 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
In Bluetooth, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote (proximal/adjacent) code execution 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-2023-21356 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within Bluetooth protocol implementations that significantly impacts device security posture. This issue stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms during Bluetooth data processing operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code remotely. The vulnerability exists at the protocol level where Bluetooth implementations fail to validate data boundaries before writing to memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory regions with malicious payloads. The flaw specifically affects Bluetooth implementations that handle incoming data packets without adequate input validation, making it particularly dangerous in wireless environments where devices continuously process Bluetooth communications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer or array. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates how Bluetooth stack components fail to properly validate packet lengths and data structures before processing them, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain control over the affected device. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol layer where Bluetooth devices receive and process incoming connections or data transfers, making it accessible to attackers within proximity range who can craft malicious Bluetooth packets to trigger the memory corruption. This type of vulnerability typically occurs in the Bluetooth stack's packet parsing routines where data is received from external devices and processed without sufficient boundary validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21356 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a significant threat to wireless device security across multiple platforms including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and IoT devices that rely on Bluetooth connectivity. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth devices are constantly connected to other devices. The remote nature of exploitation means that adversaries can target vulnerable devices from adjacent physical locations without needing to physically access the target device, creating a substantial threat surface for organizations and individuals. This vulnerability can lead to complete device compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where affected devices are connected. The lack of user interaction requirement significantly increases the attack surface and makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Bluetooth-enabled devices are prevalent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21356 should focus on immediate firmware and software updates from device manufacturers, as well as network-level controls to monitor and restrict Bluetooth communications. Organizations should implement Bluetooth security policies that disable unnecessary Bluetooth functionality and restrict pairing operations to authorized devices only. The vulnerability requires patching at the Bluetooth stack level, making it essential for device manufacturers to release security updates promptly. Network administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth monitoring tools to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to account for potential Bluetooth-based attacks, as this vulnerability can be exploited without user awareness or intervention. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches to ensure they do not introduce compatibility issues with existing Bluetooth functionality while effectively addressing the memory corruption vulnerability. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in wireless protocol implementations and highlights the need for continuous security assessment of Bluetooth stack components to prevent similar issues from emerging in the future.