How severe is CVE-2023-21020?

CVE-2023-21020 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.7, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-21020 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (1st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-21020?

CVE-2023-21020 affects Google Android. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-21020?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2023-21020 published?

CVE-2023-21020 was published on 2023-03-24 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-21020

CVE-2023-21020 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Google Android with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.7. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-416.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.7)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (1st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-416
Affected product: Google Android
Published: 2023-03-24
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In registerSignalHandlers of main.c, there is a possible local arbitrary code execution due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-256591441

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-21020?: In registerSignalHandlers of main.c, there is a possible local arbitrary code execution due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-256591441
How severe is CVE-2023-21020?: CVE-2023-21020 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.7, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-21020 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (1st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-21020?: CVE-2023-21020 affects Google Android. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-21020?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2023-21020 published?: CVE-2023-21020 was published on 2023-03-24 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2023-03-01

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:google:android:13.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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