CVE-2023-21487 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An improper access control vulnerability in the Telephony framework before the SMR May-2023 Release 1 by Samsung Mobile has been identified. This vulnerability allows local attackers to modify a call setting.

Understanding CVE-2023-21487

This section provides an insight into the details of CVE-2023-21487, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21487?

CVE-2023-21487 is an improper access control vulnerability in the Telephony framework of Samsung Mobile devices before the SMR May-2023 Release 1. Local attackers can exploit this flaw to change call settings on the affected devices.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21487

The impact of CVE-2023-21487 is rated as medium severity. The vulnerability allows attackers with local access to potentially manipulate call settings on Samsung Mobile devices running Android 11, 12, or 13 before the SMR May-2023 Release 1.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21487

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21487, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability (CVE-2023-21487) is categorized as CWE-287 - Improper Authentication. It stems from improper access control within the Telephony framework, enabling unauthorized changes to call settings by local attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Samsung Mobile devices running Android versions 11, 12, or 13 are impacted by CVE-2023-21487 if they are not updated to at least SMR May-2023 Release 1. The vulnerability affects custom versions of the specified Android OS.

Exploitation Mechanism

Local attackers exploit the vulnerability by leveraging the lack of proper access controls within the Telephony framework. This enables them to modify call settings on vulnerable Samsung Mobile devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21487, immediate steps, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Samsung Mobile devices should ensure they update their devices to at least SMR May-2023 Release 1 to address the CVE-2023-21487 vulnerability. Additionally, cautious handling of call settings and access controls is advised.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining up-to-date software, implementing strong access controls, and being vigilant against suspicious activities can enhance the overall security posture of Samsung Mobile devices and mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security updates released by Samsung Mobile, especially those addressing access control issues like CVE-2023-21487, is essential to protect devices from known vulnerabilities and potential exploitation.