CVE-2023-21374 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
In System UI, there is a possible factory reset protection bypass due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-21374 resides within the System UI component of Android operating systems, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the device's factory reset protection mechanisms. This logic error creates a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent the intended security controls that typically prevent unauthorized access to devices following a factory reset operation. The vulnerability specifically targets the factory reset protection bypass mechanism, which is designed to ensure that only authorized users can access device data after a reset, thereby maintaining the integrity of device security policies.
The technical implementation flaw manifests as a logic error within the System UI codebase that fails to properly validate authentication states during factory reset procedures. This weakness allows an attacker to exploit the system's trust model by manipulating the sequence of operations that should normally prevent unauthorized access. The vulnerability's design flaw enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited silently in the background. The absence of user interaction requirements significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the difficulty of exploitation, as no social engineering or physical access is needed to trigger the vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the device's security architecture. Once exploited, the attacker gains elevated privileges that could enable them to access sensitive user data, modify system configurations, or install malicious applications without proper authorization. This local privilege escalation capability represents a severe threat to device integrity and user privacy, as it allows attackers to bypass multiple layers of security controls that should normally be in place. The vulnerability's characteristics align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and specifically relates to improper privilege management within system components. The attack vector for this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities to gain elevated system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21374 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers, as this vulnerability represents a critical security risk that requires urgent remediation. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that ensure all endpoints receive timely security updates and patches. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify potentially compromised devices within their environments, particularly focusing on older Android versions that may be more susceptible to exploitation. The vulnerability's nature suggests that device manufacturers should enhance their code review processes to identify similar logic errors in other system components, as this flaw indicates potential gaps in security testing procedures. Network monitoring solutions should also be configured to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while security awareness training should emphasize the importance of maintaining up-to-date device firmware to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.