IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS7.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2023-20963|Auth: low — authenticated user|Reboot: required|Manual only

Android Framework Privilege Escalation Vulnerability (CVE-2023-20963)

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.

Published Mar 24, 2023 · Updated May 29, 2026
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Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A local attacker, with a low-privilege account, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2023-05-04 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Improper Certificate Validation (CWE-295) vulnerability in Android Framework. In WorkSource, there is a possible parcel mismatch. 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-220302519 Exploitation requires local access, low attack complexity, a low-privilege authenticated account, and no user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

●IT Security
●Running android: 11.0, 12.0, 12.1, 13.0
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2023-04-13 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2023-05-04.

How to patch

Get the fix

Apply the fixed package from your vendor. The advisory lists affected versions and the exact fixed build.

↗ Vendor advisory

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/2023-03-01
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-20963
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-20963
PowerShell automationComing soon

No tested PowerShell script for this entry yet. We’re prioritising automation based on user demand.

References

↗ CVE-2023-20963↗ Advisory

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