CVE-2023-21197
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to read memory beyond intended bounds in Android's Bluetooth stack, potentially disclosing sensitive information without user interaction. It affects Android 13 devices, particularly those with specific Bluetooth configurations.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote information disclosure could leak sensitive data like device identifiers or Bluetooth session details, potentially aiding further attacks.
Likely Case
Limited information disclosure, such as memory contents from the Bluetooth process, with minimal direct impact on device integrity.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or if Bluetooth is disabled on affected devices.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires Bluetooth access and knowledge of the vulnerability, but no user interaction or privileges.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android security updates from June 2023 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2023-06-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Android Settings. 2. Install the latest security patch. 3. Restart the device to apply changes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
androidTurn off Bluetooth to prevent exploitation via this vulnerability.
Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth > Toggle off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth when not in use to reduce attack surface.
- Limit Bluetooth visibility and pairing to trusted devices only.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version and security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version and Security update level.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Ensure security patch level is June 2023 or later; if so, the fix is applied.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth stack crashes or errors in system logs, such as in logcat.
Network Indicators:
- Anomalous Bluetooth connection attempts or packet patterns from untrusted sources.
SIEM Query:
Search for logs containing 'btm_acl' errors or Bluetooth service crashes on Android devices.