CVE-2023-21498 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) pertains to an improper input validation vulnerability in the setPartnerTAInfo component of the mPOS TUI trustlet before the SMR May-2023 Release 1. This vulnerability allows local attackers to overwrite the trustlet memory.

Understanding CVE-2023-21498

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21498, including its description, impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21498?

CVE-2023-21498 is an improper input validation vulnerability found in mPOS TUI trustlet's setPartnerTAInfo, potentially exploited by local attackers to manipulate trustlet memory.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21498

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity according to the CVSS v3.1 scoring. This vulnerability can lead to high confidentiality and integrity impacts, posing a risk to affected Samsung Mobile Devices running Select Android 13 devices with versions prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21498

This section will provide insight into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the improper input validation of the setPartnerTAInfo function in mPOS TUI trustlet pre-SMR May-2023 Release 1, enabling local attackers to overwrite trustlet memory.

Affected Systems and Versions

Samsung Mobile Devices using Select Android 13 devices are impacted by this vulnerability if running versions earlier than SMR May-2023 Release 1.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited locally, requiring high privileges but with low attack complexity, allowing attackers to modify the trustlet memory with potentially severe consequences.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of CVE-2023-21498, it is crucial to undertake immediate steps, long-term security practices, and regular patching to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected Samsung Mobile Devices to SMR May-2023 Release 1 or newer versions.
Monitor devices for any suspicious activity or unauthorized memory modifications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent input validation vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Samsung Mobile and promptly apply patches to safeguard against known vulnerabilities, including CVE-2023-21498.