CVE-2023-21385 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
In Whitechapel, there is a possible out of bounds read due to memory corruption. 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-2023-21385 resides within the Whitechapel software component and represents a critical memory corruption issue that manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition. This flaw occurs when the application processes memory structures without proper bounds checking, allowing malicious actors to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, which is a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to information disclosure and potentially more severe consequences depending on the context of the memory access. The absence of requirements for user interaction or additional execution privileges makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited automatically without any user involvement, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation and information gathering through system vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this out-of-bounds read vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the Whitechapel application. When processing certain data structures or user inputs, the software fails to verify that memory access operations remain within legitimate boundaries, creating opportunities for attackers to read adjacent memory locations that may contain sensitive information such as authentication tokens, system credentials, or other confidential data. This type of memory corruption vulnerability can be exploited through careful manipulation of input data or by leveraging existing application functionality that triggers the problematic code path. The vulnerability's design flaw allows for local information disclosure, meaning that an attacker with local system access can extract sensitive information from the application's memory space without requiring elevated privileges or additional attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21385 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the ability to read arbitrary memory locations can potentially expose sensitive system information that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. Attackers can use this vulnerability to gather system configuration details, application state information, or other confidential data that may aid in further exploitation attempts. The local nature of the attack means that an adversary who has already gained access to the system through other means can use this vulnerability to escalate their information gathering capabilities and potentially discover additional system weaknesses. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation, as similar issues can often be exploited to achieve more serious consequences such as code execution or privilege escalation when combined with other vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21385 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking and memory validation mechanisms within the Whitechapel application. The most effective approach involves updating the software to a patched version that addresses the out-of-bounds read condition through proper input validation and memory access controls. Organizations should also implement monitoring and detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts, including log analysis for unusual memory access patterns and system behavior. Additionally, applying the principle of least privilege and restricting local system access can help limit the potential impact of this vulnerability. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews focusing on memory management practices and implement automated testing procedures that include memory safety checks to prevent similar issues from occurring in future development cycles. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those outlined in the CWE database and MITRE ATT&CK framework for understanding and mitigating memory safety vulnerabilities.