CVE-2023-21379 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 in the Bluetooth server 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-2023-21379 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Bluetooth server implementations that fundamentally compromises system security through improper memory access handling. This issue manifests when the Bluetooth server process fails to validate array boundaries during data processing operations, creating a condition where memory accesses extend beyond allocated buffer limits. The vulnerability resides in the core Bluetooth protocol stack where incoming packets or data structures are parsed and processed, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread deployment of Bluetooth technology across mobile devices, IoT systems, and enterprise infrastructure. The missing bounds check creates a predictable pattern of memory corruption that adversaries can exploit to extract sensitive information from the server's memory space.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess System execution privileges, indicating that the target system must already be compromised or the attacker must have achieved elevated access through other means. This prerequisite significantly reduces the attack surface compared to vulnerabilities requiring user interaction, as it eliminates the need for social engineering or phishing attacks. The out-of-bounds read operation can potentially expose sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, authentication credentials, session tokens, or internal system configurations stored in memory. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in array indexing operations, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage in executing malicious payloads. The flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in memory safety mechanisms within the Bluetooth implementation, where proper input validation and boundary checking protocols have been omitted or incorrectly implemented.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21379 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted data could enable further attacks within the network infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially escalate privileges, gain persistent access to Bluetooth-enabled devices, or use the disclosed information to conduct more sophisticated attacks against connected systems. The local nature of the information disclosure means that attackers do not need network connectivity to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for environments where physical access to devices is possible or where Bluetooth is used in sensitive applications such as industrial control systems, medical devices, or automotive systems. The vulnerability affects systems where Bluetooth servers operate with elevated privileges, including mobile operating systems, embedded devices, and enterprise network infrastructure components that rely on Bluetooth for device management or communication protocols.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment from device manufacturers and software vendors, as the flaw represents a critical security gap that requires immediate attention. System administrators should prioritize updating all Bluetooth-enabled devices and ensure that the underlying operating systems and Bluetooth stack implementations receive the necessary security patches. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of exploitation, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple Bluetooth-enabled devices may be present. Monitoring for unusual Bluetooth activity or unauthorized access attempts should be enhanced, as the vulnerability may leave detectable traces in system logs or network traffic. The implementation of runtime protections such as address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and memory protection mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running Bluetooth services with system privileges, as the attack vector requires elevated access but can lead to significant information disclosure and potential system compromise.