CVE-2023-21440 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record, assigned by Samsung Mobile, highlights an improper access control vulnerability in WindowManagerService before the SMR Feb-2023 Release 1. The vulnerability allows attackers to capture screens, posing a risk to confidentiality.

Understanding CVE-2023-21440

This section delves into the nature of CVE-2023-21440, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21440?

CVE-2023-21440 is an improper access control vulnerability in WindowManagerService, present in Samsung Mobile Devices before the SMR Feb-2023 Release 1. Attackers can exploit this flaw to capture screens without proper authorization.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21440

The impact of this vulnerability is classified as medium, with a CVSS base score of 6.2. The confidentiality of affected systems is at high risk, while the integrity and availability are not compromised. This vulnerability requires local access and has a low attack complexity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21440

This section provides a deeper insight into the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2023-21440 is categorized under CWE-285 (Improper Authorization) and stems from improper access control in WindowManagerService. Attackers exploit this vulnerability to capture screens without the necessary permissions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Samsung Mobile Devices running versions older than SMR Feb-2023 Release 1, specifically those with T(13) custom versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21440 requires local access to the vulnerable system. Attackers can take advantage of the improper access control in WindowManagerService to capture screens.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-21440 involves immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2023-21440 promptly, users of Samsung Mobile Devices should implement security updates provided by Samsung Mobile, specifically the SMR Feb-2023 Release 1 or later.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize regular security updates, conduct thorough security assessments, and follow secure development practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Applying patches and updates released by Samsung Mobile, particularly the SMR Feb-2023 Release 1, is crucial in resolving the vulnerability and enhancing the security posture of affected devices.