How severe is CVE-2023-21089?

CVE-2023-21089 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-21089 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-2023-21089?

CVE-2023-21089 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-2023-21089?

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

When was CVE-2023-21089 published?

CVE-2023-21089 was published on 2023-04-19 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-21089

CVE-2023-21089 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (1st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Google Android
Published: 2023-04-19
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In startInstrumentation of ActivityManagerService.java, there is a possible way to keep the foreground service alive while the app is in the background. This could lead to local escalation of privilege 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-237766679

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-21089?: In startInstrumentation of ActivityManagerService.java, there is a possible way to keep the foreground service alive while the app is in the background. This could lead to local escalation of privilege 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-237766679
How severe is CVE-2023-21089?: CVE-2023-21089 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-21089 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-2023-21089?: CVE-2023-21089 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-2023-21089?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-21089 published?: CVE-2023-21089 was published on 2023-04-19 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2023-04-01

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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