CVE-2023-20919 Privilege escalation in Android

High 7.8 Published 24 Jan 2023 Updated 2 Apr 2025

A logic error in Android Settings allows local attackers to prevent package uninstallation, leading to privilege escalation without user interaction.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2023-20919?

CVE-2023-20919 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android, published on 24 Jan 2023. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In getStringsForPrefix of Settings.java, there is a possible prevention of package uninstallation due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-252663068

Weakness: CWE-693

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-20919?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2023-20919?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Is CVE-2023-20919 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-20919 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Google Android vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as A-252663068, ASB-A-252663068, GHSA-h9vg-8cxq-wr8j.