CVE-2023-20918
NixOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Overview

CVE-2023-20918 is a vulnerability discovered in Android's ActivityOptions.java component, specifically in the getPendingIntentLaunchFlags function. The vulnerability was disclosed in July 2023 and affects Android versions 11.0, 12.0, 12.1, and 13.0. This elevation of privilege vulnerability could allow a confused deputy attack without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction (NVD).

Technical details

The vulnerability exists in the getPendingIntentLaunchFlags method of ActivityOptions.java, where there was insufficient validation of launch flags. The issue has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 Base Score of 9.8 (CRITICAL) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating high severity across confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts (NVD).

Impact

A successful exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to elevation of privilege through a confused deputy attack. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, compromising the security of the affected system (NVD).

Mitigation and workarounds

The vulnerability has been patched through multiple commits in the Android framework. The fix involves restricting the NEW_TASK flag when adjusting pending intents. Users should update to the latest Android security patch level that includes these fixes (Android Git).

Additional resources


SourceThis report was generated using AI

Related NixOS vulnerabilities:

CVE ID

Severity

Score

Technologies

Component name

CISA KEV exploit

Has fix

Published date

CVE-2026-22783HIGH8.1
  • NixOSNixOS
  • iris
NoYesJan 12, 2026
CVE-2026-0821MEDIUM6.9
  • NixOSNixOS
  • quickjs
NoNoJan 10, 2026
CVE-2025-68949MEDIUM5.3
  • NixOSNixOS
  • n8n
NoYesJan 13, 2026
CVE-2026-22784LOW2.3
  • NixOSNixOS
  • lychee
NoYesJan 12, 2026
CVE-2026-23497LOW1.3
  • NixOSNixOS
  • learning
NoYesJan 14, 2026

Free Vulnerability Assessment

Benchmark your Cloud Security Posture

Evaluate your cloud security practices across 9 security domains to benchmark your risk level and identify gaps in your defenses.

Request assessment

Get a personalized demo

Ready to see Wiz in action?

"Best User Experience I have ever seen, provides full visibility to cloud workloads."
David EstlickCISO
"Wiz provides a single pane of glass to see what is going on in our cloud environments."
Adam FletcherChief Security Officer
"We know that if Wiz identifies something as critical, it actually is."
Greg PoniatowskiHead of Threat and Vulnerability Management