CVE-2023-21106
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a double-free vulnerability in the Adreno GPU driver for Android kernels, which could allow local attackers to corrupt memory and escalate privileges without user interaction. It affects Android devices with vulnerable kernel versions, potentially allowing attackers to gain root access on compromised devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android devices with Qualcomm Adreno GPUs
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise with root privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and device control.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, and install malicious applications.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are patched, have SELinux enforcing mode, and proper app sandboxing is in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and kernel exploitation knowledge; no public exploit code identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android security patch level May 2023 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2023-05-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install May 2023 or later security patch. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit physical and remote local access to devices through device management policies
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict device access controls and monitoring
- Use mobile device management (MDM) to enforce security policies and detect anomalies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version > Security patch levelCheck Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level is May 2023 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Adreno driver crash messages
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel module crashes or privilege escalation events in device logs