CVE-2023-21486 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-21486 relates to an improper export of Android application components vulnerability discovered in ImagePreviewActivity within Call Settings to SMR May-2023 Release 1 by Samsung Mobile. The vulnerability potentially enables physical attackers to access certain media data stored in a sandbox.

Understanding CVE-2023-21486

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-21486 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-21486?

CVE-2023-21486 involves an improper export of Android application components vulnerability found in ImagePreviewActivity within Call Settings. This vulnerability, identified in the SMR May-2023 Release 1 by Samsung Mobile, allows physical attackers to retrieve specific media data stored within a sandbox environment.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21486

The impact of CVE-2023-21486 is considered medium, with a base score of 5.3 and a base severity rating of MEDIUM according to CVSS v3.1 metrics. The attack vector is physical, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. The scope of impact is changed, with high confidentiality impact, and no integrity or availability impact.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21486

This section provides further technical insights into CVE-2023-21486.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves an improper export of Android application components, specifically in ImagePreviewActivity within Call Settings, which allows physical attackers to access certain media data stored in a sandbox environment.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected vendor is Samsung Mobile, with the product being Samsung Mobile Devices. The versions impacted by this vulnerability include Android 11, 12, and 13, with the status marked as affected. The vulnerability exists in versions less than SMR May-2023 Release 1 and is categorized as a custom type version.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability mainly revolves around physical access to the device, enabling attackers to bypass restrictions and gain unauthorized access to media data stored in the sandbox environment.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-21486 requires immediate action and the implementation of long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply security updates provided by Samsung Mobile to patch the vulnerability. Additionally, users should avoid granting physical access to their devices to unauthorized individuals to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security posture, it is advisable to follow best practices such as regularly updating software and firmware, employing strong authentication methods, and limiting physical access to devices.

Patching and Updates

Users of Samsung Mobile Devices should ensure they install the SMR May-2023 Release 1 or any subsequent security updates to address and mitigate the CVE-2023-21486 vulnerability. Regularly checking for and applying security patches is essential to safeguard devices against potential threats.