CVE-2023-21500 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-21500 was published on May 4, 2023, by Samsung Mobile. It involves a double free validation vulnerability in the setPinPadImages in mPOS TUI trustlet before the SMR May-2023 Release 1. This vulnerability allows local attackers to access the trustlet memory.

Understanding CVE-2023-21500

In this section, we will delve into the details of CVE-2023-21500 to understand its implications and impact.

What is CVE-2023-21500?

CVE-2023-21500 is a double free validation vulnerability found in the setPinPadImages function within the mPOS TUI trustlet before the SMR May-2023 Release 1. This vulnerability can be exploited by local attackers to gain unauthorized access to the trustlet memory.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21500

This vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.0. The confidentiality impact is high, while the integrity and availability impacts are rated as none. With a low attack complexity and high privileges required, this vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized access and information disclosure.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21500

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21500, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2023-21500 is categorized under CWE-415 Double Free. It stems from a flaw in the setPinPadImages function, allowing for the double free validation vulnerability.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Samsung Mobile Devices, specifically Select Android 13 devices running versions less than SMR May-2023 Release 1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access the trustlet memory, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and manipulation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21500, it is essential to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest SMR May-2023 Release 1 to patch the vulnerability.
Restrict physical access to the affected devices to prevent local attackers from exploiting the flaw.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and privilege restrictions to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and remediate security gaps proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security updates and patches provided by Samsung Mobile to address CVE-2023-21500 and other security vulnerabilities in the system. Regularly monitor security advisories for any new updates or fixes that may be released.