CVE-2023-21281 Privilege escalation in Android

What is CVE-2023-21281?

CVE-2023-21281 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android, published on 14 Aug 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 KeyguardViewMediator.java, there is a possible failure to lock after screen timeout due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege across users with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-21281?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2023-21281?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Is CVE-2023-21281 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-21281 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-265431505, ASB-A-265431505, GHSA-cphq-wf6q-pcvw.