CVE-2023-21490 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-21490, including its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-21490

CVE-2023-21490 refers to a vulnerability related to improper access control found in GearManagerStub before the SMR May-2023 Release 1. This flaw could be exploited by a local attacker to delete applications that were installed by watchmanager, posing a security risk to Samsung Mobile Devices.

What is CVE-2023-21490?

The CVE-2023-21490 vulnerability stems from GearManagerStub's inadequate access control measures. It allows a local attacker to tamper with the applications installed by watchmanager on Samsung Mobile Devices.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21490

With a CVSS base score of 4.7 (Medium severity), the vulnerability could lead to a significant impact on the availability of affected devices. The attacker can delete crucial applications, potentially causing disruption and loss of functionality.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21490

The following are essential technical details related to CVE-2023-21490:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in GearManagerStub prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 enables unauthorized access control, allowing a local attacker to delete applications installed by watchmanager.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Samsung Mobile
Product: Samsung Mobile Devices
Versions: Android 11, 12, 13
Status: Affected
Less Than: SMR May-2023 Release 1
Version Type: Custom

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited locally without requiring special privileges, making it a critical security issue for Samsung Mobile Devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Given the potential risks associated with CVE-2023-21490, it is crucial to implement adequate mitigation measures to protect the affected devices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that Samsung Mobile Devices are updated to SMR May-2023 Release 1 or later to address the vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious activity related to application deletions on the devices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all Samsung Mobile Devices to the latest firmware versions to prevent security vulnerabilities.
Implement strict access control policies to restrict unauthorized actions on the devices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Samsung Mobile to address potential vulnerabilities promptly.
Consider implementing automated patch management solutions to streamline the update process and enhance device security.