Google Android 11.0/12.0/13.0 InstallPackageHelper.java verifyReplacingVersionCode Local Privilege Escalation
| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 5.8 | $0-$5k | 0.00 |
Summary
A vulnerability categorized as problematic has been discovered in Google Android 11.0/12.0/13.0. This affects the function verifyReplacingVersionCode of the file InstallPackageHelper.java. Executing a manipulation can lead to an unknown weakness.
This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2023-21116. The attack is restricted to local execution. No exploit exists.
It is advisable to implement a patch to correct this issue.
Details
A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in Google Android 11.0/12.0/13.0 (Smartphone Operating System). This vulnerability affects the function verifyReplacingVersionCode of the file InstallPackageHelper.java. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:
In verifyReplacingVersionCode of InstallPackageHelper.java, there is a possible way to downgrade system apps below system image version due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-256202273
The weakness was disclosed 05/16/2023 as A-256202273. The advisory is shared for download at source.android.com. This vulnerability was named CVE-2023-21116 since 11/03/2022. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available.
Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem.
The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at EUVD (EUVD-2023-25284). Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Product
Type
Vendor
Name
Version
License
Website
- Vendor: https://www.google.com/
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔍VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.9VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.8
VulDB Base Score: 4.2
VulDB Temp Score: 4.0
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
NVD Base Score: 6.7
NVD Vector: 🔍
CNA Base Score: 6.7
CNA Vector: 🔍
CVSSv2
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| Vector | Complexity | Authentication | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
Exploiting
Class: Local Privilege EscalationCWE: Unknown
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍
Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No
Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined
EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍
| 0-Day | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
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Threat Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: PatchStatus: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔍
Timeline
11/03/2022 🔍05/16/2023 🔍
05/16/2023 🔍
09/13/2025 🔍
Sources
Vendor: google.comAdvisory: A-256202273
Status: Confirmed
CVE: CVE-2023-21116 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2023-21116
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-229132
EUVD: 🔍
scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20150917
Entry
Created: 05/16/2023 08:19Updated: 09/13/2025 17:07
Changes: 05/16/2023 08:19 (42), 06/09/2023 12:54 (11), 01/25/2025 03:17 (25), 09/13/2025 17:07 (1)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
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