Android: Improper Locking
CVE-2023-21189 is a high-severity improper locking vulnerability in Android, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Android versions: Android-13. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.09% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Android you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on source.android.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
Official description
In startLockTaskMode of LockTaskController.java, there is a possible bypass of lock task mode 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 needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-213942596
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Locking
The product does not properly acquire or release a lock on a resource, leading to unexpected resource state changes and behaviors.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use industry standard APIs to implement locking mechanism.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Android
- 5.5 Medium severity
Android Pixel Information Disclosure Exploited
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Locking vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
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