How severe is CVE-2023-20946?

CVE-2023-20946 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-20946 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (38th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-20946?

CVE-2023-20946 primarily affects Google Android. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-20946?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2023-20946 published?

CVE-2023-20946 was published on 2023-02-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-20946

CVE-2023-20946 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Google Android with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (38th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Google Android
Published: 2023-02-28
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In onStart of BluetoothSwitchPreferenceController.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to a confused deputy. This could lead to remote escalation of privilege in Bluetooth settings with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-244423101

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-20946?: In onStart of BluetoothSwitchPreferenceController.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to a confused deputy. This could lead to remote escalation of privilege in Bluetooth settings with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-244423101
How severe is CVE-2023-20946?: CVE-2023-20946 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-20946 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (38th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-20946?: CVE-2023-20946 primarily affects Google Android. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-20946?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-20946 published?: CVE-2023-20946 was published on 2023-02-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2023-02-01

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:google:android:11.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:12.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:12.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:13.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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