Security Resilience

CVE-2023-21220

Google Android

Published
28 June 2023
Modified
21 November 2024
Patch / advisory
CVSS Score v3.1 7.5
Click a component to see what it means
Raw vectorCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS Score 0.0032 23th percentile
Risk Priority 58 floored blend · peak EPSS

CVSS and EPSS are reproduced from their sources (NVD, FIRST EPSS). Risk Priority is our own derived reading, not an NVD score.

Summary

CVE-2023-21220 is a high-severity Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information (CWE-319) vulnerability in Google Android. Its CVSS base score is 7.5 (High).

Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Network Sniffing (T1040); ranked at the 23th percentile by exploit likelihood (below the median); it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

OWASP Top 10 for Web (2025)

EU & UK References

Vulnerability Data

there is a possible use of unencrypted transport over cellular networks due to an insecure default value. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid…

more

ID: A-264590585References: N/A

CWE(s)

Related Threats

MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise Techniques

T1040 Network Sniffing Credential Access
Adversaries may passively sniff network traffic to capture information about an environment, including authentication material passed over the network.
T1003.004 LSA Secrets Credential Access
Adversaries with SYSTEM access to a host may attempt to access Local Security Authority (LSA) secrets, which can contain a variety of different credential materials, such as credentials for service accounts.
T1003.008 /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow Credential Access
Adversaries may attempt to dump the contents of <code>/etc/passwd</code> and <code>/etc/shadow</code> to enable offline password cracking.
T1006 Direct Volume Access Stealth
Adversaries may directly access a volume to bypass file access controls and file system monitoring.
T1007 System Service Discovery Discovery
Adversaries may try to gather information about registered local system services.
T1010 Application Window Discovery Discovery
Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of open application windows.
Derived from this CVE’s CWE(s) via the direct CWE→ATT&CK cross-walk.

CVEs Like This One

CVE-2023-21219Same product: Google Android
CVE-2023-42579Same product: Google Android
CVE-2023-21390Same product: Google Android
CVE-2024-23705Same product: Google Android
CVE-2023-48397Same product: Google Android
CVE-2026-0127Same product: Google Android
CVE-2026-0165Same product: Google Android
CVE-2026-0094Same product: Google Android
CVE-2025-48636Same product: Google Android
CVE-2025-48577Same product: Google Android

Affected Assets

google
android
all versions

Mitigating Controls

Likely Mitigating Controls AI

Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.

addresses: CWE-319

Role-based training covers secure transmission methods, mitigating cleartext transmission of sensitive data.

addresses: CWE-319

By requiring documented security controls for information exchanges, the control reduces the risk of cleartext transmission of sensitive data.

addresses: CWE-319

Mapping transmission actions in data flows helps prevent cleartext transmission of sensitive information.

addresses: CWE-319

Settings can enforce secure transmission protocols to prevent cleartext transmission of sensitive data.

addresses: CWE-319

Policy addresses secure transport and handling of media to avoid cleartext transmission of sensitive information.

addresses: CWE-319

Enforces safeguards against cleartext transmission of CUI when data leaves organizational boundaries to external systems.

addresses: CWE-319

Explicit controls and continuous oversight on external system services prevent cleartext transmission of sensitive information over provider-managed channels.

addresses: CWE-319

Key-establishment procedures specify secure distribution channels that preclude cleartext transmission of key material.

Mitigating Controls (NIST CSF 2.0) AI

Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→CSF cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.

PR.DS-02 partial match
blocks

Encryption of data-in-transit directly prevents cleartext transmission while the control also addresses integrity and availability.

Mitigating Controls (ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A) AI

Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→ISO cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.

blocks

Mandating cryptographic protection and stronger authentication on public networks stops the transmission of plaintext sensitive information.

removes
removes
removes
removes

References