CVE-2023-21050 : What You Need to Know

This CVE was published on March 24, 2023, by Google Android. It involves a vulnerability in the load_png_image function of ExynosHWCHelper.cpp, potentially leading to an out-of-bounds write issue due to inadequate input validation. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in local escalation of privilege, requiring System execution privileges without the need for user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2023-21050

This section will delve into the details surrounding CVE-2023-21050, including the vulnerability description, its impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21050?

CVE-2023-21050 is a security vulnerability found in the load_png_image function of ExynosHWCHelper.cpp. The flaw may allow an attacker to execute an out-of-bounds write operation, potentially resulting in a local privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21050

The impact of CVE-2023-21050 is the potential for an attacker to escalate their privileges locally on the affected system. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or the ability to perform malicious actions with elevated permissions.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21050

In this section, we will discuss the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21050, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in load_png_image of ExynosHWCHelper.cpp could allow for an out-of-bounds write operation due to inadequate input validation. This weakness may be exploited by an attacker to escalate privileges locally on the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system by CVE-2023-21050 is the Android platform, specifically the Android kernel. The versions impacted by this vulnerability include the Android kernel.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21050, an attacker would need to craft a malicious input that triggers the out-of-bounds write in the load_png_image function of ExynosHWCHelper.cpp. Successful exploitation could lead to the escalation of privileges on the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-21050 and prevent its exploitation in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to apply security patches promptly to address the vulnerability.
Implement least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential privilege escalation attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed.
Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate potential security weaknesses in the system.

Patching and Updates

Google Android has provided a patch to address CVE-2023-21050. Users should update their systems to the latest version of the Android kernel to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.