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CVE-2023-21461 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Discover the details of CVE-2023-21461, an improper authorization flaw in Samsung Mobile Devices allowing local attackers to power off devices through unprotected activity. Learn about the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.

This article explores the details of CVE-2023-21461, a vulnerability discovered in Samsung Mobile Devices that could potentially allow a local attacker to turn off a device through unprotected activity.

Understanding CVE-2023-21461

CVE-2023-21461 refers to an improper authorization vulnerability found in AutoPowerOnOffConfirmDialog in Settings before the SMR Mar-2023 Release 1 for Samsung Mobile Devices. This flaw could be exploited by a local attacker to power off the device due to unprotected activity.

What is CVE-2023-21461?

The CVE-2023-21461 vulnerability in Samsung Mobile Devices involves an improper authorization issue in the AutoPowerOnOffConfirmDialog within the Settings. This vulnerability could enable a local attacker to shut down the device through unprotected activity.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21461

The impact of CVE-2023-21461 could result in a local attacker gaining the ability to turn off affected Samsung Mobile Devices without proper authorization. This unauthorized action can disrupt device usage and potentially cause inconvenience or harm to the device owner.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21461

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21461, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves improper authorization in the AutoPowerOnOffConfirmDialog feature of Samsung Mobile Devices, allowing a local attacker to power off the device through unprotected activity.

Affected Systems and Versions

Samsung Mobile Devices running on Android 12 and 13 are impacted by CVE-2023-21461. Devices with a version of SMR Mar-2023 Release 1 or earlier are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21461 requires a local attacker to leverage the improper authorization issue in the AutoPowerOnOffConfirmDialog within the device settings to trigger an unauthorized shutdown.

Mitigation and Prevention

In order to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21461, users and administrators should take immediate steps to address the vulnerability and implement long-term security practices to prevent similar issues in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should ensure to update their Samsung Mobile Devices to the latest SMR Mar-2023 Release 1 or newer to mitigate the CVE-2023-21461 vulnerability. Additionally, users should be cautious of potential local attackers trying to exploit this flaw.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing security best practices such as regular software updates, user permissions management, and security awareness training can help prevent unauthorized activities like those enabled by CVE-2023-21461.

Patching and Updates

Samsung Mobile has released patches addressing the improper authorization vulnerability in the AutoPowerOnOffConfirmDialog within the Settings feature. Users are advised to regularly check for and install updates to ensure their devices are protected against CVE-2023-21461.

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