CVE-2023-21190: Remote device turning off encryption does not result in terminated connection in Android Bluetooth

platform/packages/modules/Bluetooth Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

01/06/2023

Disclosed on

CVE-2023-21190

CVE

Yes i

Fix available

Moderate

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

CVE-2023-21190: In btm_acl_encrypt_change of btm_acl.cc, there is a possible way for a remote device to turn off encryption without resulting in a terminated connection due to an unusual root cause. Affects platform/packages/modules/Bluetooth across 2 version ranges.

>= 13:0, < 13:2023-06-01 >= 13-next:0, < 13-next:2023-06-01

Fixed in 13-next:2023-06-01. How to fix ↓

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Background

The Android Bluetooth package is responsible for handling Bluetooth functionality on Android devices. It provides APIs and services for establishing and managing Bluetooth connections, enabling data transfer between devices. The package is a critical component for various applications and system services that rely on Bluetooth communication. However, a vulnerability has been identified in the package that allows a remote device to disable encryption without terminating the connection.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability exists in the btm_acl_encrypt_change function of the btm_acl.cc file in the Android Bluetooth package. It allows a remote device to turn off encryption without triggering a terminated connection. This unusual behavior can lead to local information disclosure without requiring additional execution privileges. Exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction. The impact of this vulnerability can be significant as it compromises the confidentiality of data transmitted over Bluetooth connections.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

13-next:2023-06-01

This is the first release that contains the fix.

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability at the moment.

Conclusion

The Android Bluetooth package is vulnerable to a remote device disabling encryption without terminating the connection. This can lead to local information disclosure and compromise the confidentiality of Bluetooth communication. It is crucial to update the Android Bluetooth package to the fixed version to mitigate this vulnerability.

See every vulnerability recorded for platform/packages/modules/Bluetooth →