CVE-2023-20963 Android Framework: privilege escalation
In plain words: Something running with limited rights can promote itself to full control. Turns a small foothold (like a malicious app) into administrator or system-level access.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline May 4, 2023
What to do
- Install Android's security update for Framework. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Android Framework Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Android Framework
- CISA description
- Android Framework contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation after updating an app to a higher Target SDK with no additional execution privileges needed.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation (CWE-295)
- Confirmed exploited
- Apr 13, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- May 4, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-20963 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-20963
Is CVE-2023-20963 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-20963 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Apr 13, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2023-20963?
Install Android's security update for Framework. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2023-20963?
Only if you use Android Framework. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.