CVE-2023-20938: Input Validation

Published Feb 1, 2023
·
Updated

In bindertransactionbufferrelease of binder.c, there is a possible use after free due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-257685302References: Upstream kernel

Affected Software

4 affected componentsFixes available
Google Android
Google Android
android/:linux_kernel:>=:0<:2023-02-05
:2023-02-05
debian/linux
6.1.176-16.1.190-16.12.107-16.12.113-17.2.12-17.2.13-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade android/:linux_kernel: to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in :2023-02-05
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.1.176-1Fixed in 6.1.190-1Fixed in 6.12.107-1Fixed in 6.12.113-1Fixed in 7.2.12-1Fixed in 7.2.13-1

Event History

Feb 1, 2023
Advisory Published
via OSV·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via OSV·12:00 AM
DescriptionAffected Software
Feb 6, 2023
CVE Published
via Android·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via Android·12:00 AM
SeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Feb 28, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·12:00 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via NVD·05:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jun 23, 2025
Exploit Published
via GitHub·10:54 AM

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-20938?

CVE-2023-20938 has been classified as a vulnerability that enables local escalation of privilege.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-20938?

To fix CVE-2023-20938, ensure you update to the latest release of the Android kernel available from Google.

3

Is user interaction necessary for exploiting CVE-2023-20938?

No, no user interaction is required for exploitation of CVE-2023-20938.

4

Which versions of Android are affected by CVE-2023-20938?

CVE-2023-20938 affects various versions of Google Android but specific versions include those listed under the Debian package remedy.

5

What may happen if CVE-2023-20938 is exploited?

Exploitation of CVE-2023-20938 could lead to an attacker gaining elevated privileges on the affected device.

Contact

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