How severe is CVE-2023-21116?

CVE-2023-21116 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-2023-21116 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-2023-21116?

CVE-2023-21116 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-2023-21116?

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

When was CVE-2023-21116 published?

CVE-2023-21116 was published on 2023-05-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-21116

CVE-2023-21116 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-863.

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-863
Affected product: Google Android
Published: 2023-05-15
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In verifyReplacingVersionCode of InstallPackageHelper.java, there is a possible way to downgrade system apps below system image version due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-256202273

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-21116?: In verifyReplacingVersionCode of InstallPackageHelper.java, there is a possible way to downgrade system apps below system image version due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-256202273
How severe is CVE-2023-21116?: CVE-2023-21116 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-2023-21116 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-2023-21116?: CVE-2023-21116 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-2023-21116?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2023-21116 published?: CVE-2023-21116 was published on 2023-05-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2023-05-01

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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