CVE-2023-21055 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-21055 was published on March 24, 2023, by Google Android. It involves a use after free vulnerability in the dit_hal_ioctl function of the dit.c code, potentially leading to a local privilege escalation. This vulnerability does not require user interaction for exploitation and affects the Android kernel versions.

Understanding CVE-2023-21055

This section provides an overview of what CVE-2023-21055 entails, including its impact and technical details.

What is CVE-2023-21055?

CVE-2023-21055 is a vulnerability found in the dit_hal_ioctl function of the dit.c code. It allows for a use after free scenario, creating a potential race condition that can be exploited for local privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Android kernel versions.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21055

The impact of CVE-2023-21055 is serious as it could allow an attacker to escalate their privileges locally without requiring any user interaction. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and data, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21055

Delving deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21055, this section explores the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in dit_hal_ioctl function of dit.c code results in a possible use after free condition due to a race condition. This flaw can be leveraged by attackers to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the security of the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system by CVE-2023-21055 is Android, specifically the Android kernel versions. Organizations utilizing these versions of Android are at risk of exploitation unless appropriate mitigation measures are implemented promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the race condition in the dit_hal_ioctl function, threat actors can trigger the use after free scenario, leading to unauthorized privilege escalation within the system. This exploitation technique can be detrimental to the confidentiality and integrity of the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against the CVE-2023-21055 vulnerability, it is crucial to take immediate action and implement effective security measures to prevent exploitation and mitigate potential risks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate steps to mitigate the CVE-2023-21055 vulnerability include applying security updates and patches provided by the vendor, monitoring system activity for any signs of exploitation, and restricting access to critical system components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Adopting robust security practices such as regular security audits, conducting penetration testing, implementing least privilege access controls, and staying informed about security threats can enhance the overall resilience of the system against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

It is imperative for organizations to stay updated with the latest security bulletins and patches released by relevant vendors. Applying timely patches can address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21055 and reinforce the security posture of the system against potential threats.