CVE-2023-52351

7.8 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability in the RIL (Radio Interface Layer) service allows local attackers with system privileges to perform out-of-bounds writes, potentially causing denial of service. It affects Unisoc chipset-based devices where the RIL service runs with elevated privileges. The vulnerability requires local access and system execution privileges to exploit.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Unisoc chipset-based devices
  • Devices using Unisoc RIL implementation
Versions: Specific versions not publicly detailed in references
Operating Systems: Android-based systems using Unisoc chipsets
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects devices where RIL service runs with system privileges. Exact device models not specified in provided references.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Local privilege escalation leading to system compromise, persistent denial of service, or potential remote code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities.

🟠

Likely Case

Local denial of service affecting cellular functionality, potentially crashing the RIL service and disrupting voice/data services on affected devices.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact due to requirement for system privileges and local access, with proper privilege separation preventing exploitation.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires local access and system privileges, not directly exploitable over network.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Could be exploited by malicious insiders or compromised applications with system privileges on affected devices.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local access and system execution privileges. No public exploit code identified in references.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Not specified in references

Vendor Advisory: https://www.unisoc.com/en_us/secy/announcementDetail/1777143682512781313

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check with device manufacturer for security updates. 2. Apply Unisoc-provided patches for RIL service. 3. Update device firmware to latest version. 4. Reboot device after update.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict RIL service privileges

android

Reduce RIL service privileges if possible in device configuration

Requires device-specific SELinux/security policy modifications

Disable unnecessary RIL features

android

Disable non-essential RIL functionality to reduce attack surface

Device-specific configuration changes

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement strict application sandboxing to prevent privilege escalation
  • Monitor for RIL service crashes and abnormal behavior

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device chipset manufacturer and RIL service version. Vulnerable if using Unisoc chipset with unpatched RIL implementation.

Check Version:

Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer. Generally: adb shell getprop ro.build.fingerprint or check Settings > About Phone

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify device has received security updates from manufacturer and check RIL service version against patched releases.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • RIL service crashes
  • Abnormal RIL service restarts
  • Permission denied errors in RIL logs

Network Indicators:

  • Sudden loss of cellular connectivity
  • Abnormal baseband behavior

SIEM Query:

Search for: 'RIL service crash' OR 'ril-daemon' AND (segfault OR SIGSEGV) in device/system logs

🔗 References

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