CVE-2023-21368 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
In Audio, there is a possible out of bounds read due to missing bounds 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-2023-21368 resides within the audio processing subsystem of a software application, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms. This flaw manifests when the system fails to properly verify array boundaries during audio data processing operations, creating a scenario where memory accesses extend beyond allocated buffer limits. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds checking issue, which directly impacts the software's memory safety and can potentially expose sensitive data stored in adjacent memory regions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted audio input that triggers the missing bounds check during processing. When the audio subsystem attempts to read data from an array without verifying that the requested index falls within valid parameters, it can access memory locations containing confidential information such as passwords, session tokens, or other sensitive data. This type of flaw represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to information disclosure vulnerabilities, as described in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1005 for data from local system.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21368 is particularly concerning as it enables local information disclosure without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction for exploitation. An attacker with local access to the system can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data from memory, potentially compromising user credentials, application secrets, or system configuration details. The lack of requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability especially dangerous as it can be exploited automatically without the victim's knowledge or consent, representing a significant risk to system confidentiality and data integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms and comprehensive bounds checking throughout the audio processing pipeline. Software developers should employ defensive programming practices including array boundary verification, use of safe string handling functions, and implementation of memory safety checks. The fix typically involves adding proper validation logic to ensure that all array accesses are within valid bounds before execution, aligning with industry best practices for preventing buffer overflow and out-of-bounds read conditions. Additionally, regular security code reviews and static analysis tools should be employed to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the software ecosystem, as this type of flaw can potentially exist in multiple subsystems within complex applications.