CVE-2023-45773 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2023
In multiple functions of btm_ble_gap.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-45773 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Bluetooth stack implementation, specifically in the btm_ble_gap.cc source file. This issue manifests in multiple functions where proper bounds checking mechanisms are absent, creating a scenario where malicious code could potentially overwrite memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability resides in the Bluetooth low energy gap management component which handles various Bluetooth connection and advertising operations, making it a core element of the system's wireless communication infrastructure.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the Bluetooth stack's gap layer implementation. When processing Bluetooth advertising data or connection parameters, the system fails to verify that incoming data fits within predetermined buffer limits before writing to memory locations. This missing bounds check creates a predictable attack surface where an attacker with user-level privileges could craft malicious Bluetooth packets or connection parameters that trigger the out-of-bounds write condition. The vulnerability's classification as local privilege escalation indicates that while exploitation requires user execution privileges, the successful exploitation could result in elevated system privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain root access or execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than originally granted.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-45773 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it represents a potential pathway for persistent system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system memory regions, potentially corrupting kernel data structures or injecting malicious code into the Bluetooth subsystem. The absence of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could be triggered automatically during normal Bluetooth operations without any user awareness or intervention. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and reflects the broader threat landscape where attackers increasingly target system-level components to establish persistent footholds.
From a security standards perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions. The implementation flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where memory safety checks are omitted in critical sections handling Bluetooth protocol data. The vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation also connects to the broader category of privilege escalation techniques described in MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1068 category focusing on local privilege escalation. Organizations implementing systems with Bluetooth capabilities should consider this vulnerability as part of their comprehensive security assessment, especially in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is enabled and where user-level access might be compromised.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-45773 should include immediate patching of affected systems, implementing network segmentation to limit Bluetooth exposure, and monitoring for anomalous Bluetooth behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling Bluetooth functionality when not required and implementing strict access controls to minimize potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in system-level components and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of core system libraries that handle network protocols and device communications. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify similar implementation flaws in other system components and ensure that proper bounds checking mechanisms are consistently applied throughout the software stack.