CVE-2023-21081 Security feature bypass in Android

What is CVE-2023-21081?

CVE-2023-21081 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android, published on 19 Apr 2023. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In multiple functions of PackageInstallerService.java and related files, there is a possible way to bypass background activity launch restrictions 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-11 Android-12 Android-12L Android-13Android ID: A-230492955

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-21081?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2023-21081?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Is CVE-2023-21081 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-21081 in the wild and no public exploit code.

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-230492955, ASB-A-230492955, GHSA-5j86-f6q6-qx5r.