CVE-2023-21436 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-21436 was published on February 9, 2023, by Samsung Mobile. It involves improper usage of implicit intent in Contacts prior to SMR Feb-2023 Release 1, which allows an attacker to obtain the account ID.

Understanding CVE-2023-21436

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21436, its impact, technical description, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21436?

CVE-2023-21436 relates to the improper usage of implicit intent in Contacts on Samsung Mobile Devices before the SMR Feb-2023 Release 1. This vulnerability enables an attacker to retrieve the account ID.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21436

The impact of CVE-2023-21436 is considered low, with a CVSS base score of 3.3. It allows attackers to access account IDs, potentially leading to privacy breaches or unauthorized access to user information.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21436

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Contacts on Samsung Mobile Devices results from the improper handling of implicit intent, creating a loophole that can be exploited by attackers to retrieve account IDs.

Affected Systems and Versions

Samsung Mobile Devices running versions Q(10), R(11), S(12), and T(13) are affected by CVE-2023-21436. Specifically, devices that have not yet received SMR Feb-2023 Release 1 are vulnerable to this issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21436, an attacker can leverage the improper usage of implicit intent in Contacts to retrieve account IDs via unauthorized access, potentially compromising user privacy and security.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-21436 involves taking immediate steps, implementing long-term security practices, and ensuring timely patching and updates to safeguard against this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Samsung Mobile users are advised to exercise caution while accessing contacts and ensure no suspicious activities occur that could lead to the unauthorized retrieval of account IDs.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security, users should regularly update their devices, avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unverified applications, and stay informed about security updates from Samsung Mobile.

Patching and Updates

Samsung Mobile has released the SMR Feb-2023 Release 1 to address CVE-2023-21436. Users are strongly advised to install this update promptly to eliminate the vulnerability and protect their devices from potential exploitation.