CVE-2023-21491 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-21491 was published and assigned by Samsung Mobile. It involves an improper access control vulnerability in ThemeManager before the SMR May-2023 Release 1. The vulnerability allows local attackers to write arbitrary files with system privilege.

Understanding CVE-2023-21491

This section will delve deeper into what CVE-2023-21491 entails, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21491?

CVE-2023-21491 is an improper access control vulnerability found in ThemeManager before the SMR May-2023 Release 1. This flaw enables local attackers to write arbitrary files with system privilege, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21491

The impact of CVE-2023-21491 is rated as HIGH severity with a base score of 8.5. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate files with system privilege, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data corruption, and system instability on affected Samsung Mobile Devices running Android versions 12 and 13.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21491

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21491 including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in ThemeManager prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 arises from improper access control mechanisms, enabling local attackers to write files with elevated system privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Samsung Mobile Devices running Android 12 and 13 are affected by this vulnerability if they are using versions less than SMR May-2023 Release 1.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by local attackers to write arbitrary files with system privilege, potentially leading to unauthorized access and compromise of the affected devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the risks associated with CVE-2023-21491, immediate steps can be taken along with long-term security practices and patching procedures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations and users should update their Samsung Mobile Devices to the latest SMR May-2023 Release 1 to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, limiting local access and monitoring file write activities can enhance security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing stringent access controls, conducting regular security audits, and enforcing the principle of least privilege can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future and enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by Samsung for ThemeManager and the affected devices is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen the security posture against potential exploits.