CVE-2023-20921 Privilege escalation in Android

What is CVE-2023-20921?

CVE-2023-20921 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, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

In onPackageRemoved of AccessibilityManagerService.java, there is a possibility to automatically grant accessibility services 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 needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-243378132

Weakness: CWE-670

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-20921?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2023-20921?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Is CVE-2023-20921 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-20921 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Public exploit code: 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.

Other vulnerabilities in Google Android

• CVE-2026-58704 Google Pixel Improper Authorization Exploited High 8.8
• CVE-2025-48543 Android Runtime Use-After-Free Exploited High 8.8
• CVE-2023-35674 Android Framework Privilege Escalation Exploited High 8.8
• CVE-2025-48595 Android Framework Integer Overflow Exploited High 8.4
• CVE-2024-32896 Android Pixel Privilege Escalation Exploited High 8.1

All Google Android vulnerabilities

Sources

• CVE record
• NVD
• OSV
• GitHub advisory
• How this page is made

Also known as A-243378132, ASB-A-243378132, GHSA-xmpg-xcmw-jv5w.