CVE-2023-21513 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-21513, including its description, impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-21513

CVE-2023-21513 is an improper privilege management vulnerability in CC Mode prior to SMR Jun-2023 Release 1. This vulnerability allows physical attackers to manipulate a Samsung Mobile device in a way that results in unexpected behavior in CC Mode under specific conditions.

What is CVE-2023-21513?

CVE-2023-21513 is a security vulnerability in Samsung Mobile devices running Android 11, 12, or 13. It arises due to improper privilege management in CC Mode, which could be exploited by physical attackers to manipulate the device and cause it to operate unexpectedly.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21513

The impact of CVE-2023-21513 is rated as medium severity. Attackers with physical access to the device could exploit this vulnerability to achieve high confidentiality and integrity impacts, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive information stored on the device.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21513

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-269 - Improper Privilege Management. It arises in CC Mode prior to SMR Jun-2023 Release 1 due to inadequate privilege management, allowing attackers to manipulate the device under specific conditions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Samsung Mobile devices running Android 11, 12, or 13 are affected by CVE-2023-21513. Specifically, devices with a version less than SMR Jun-2023 Release 1 are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability in CC Mode could be exploited by physical attackers to manipulate the device, forcing it to operate in a manner leading to unexpected behavior. This manipulation could result in compromised confidentiality and integrity of the device data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21513, it is essential to take immediate steps, implement long-term security practices, and apply necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to be cautious with physical access to their devices. Implementing strong access controls and limiting physical access can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating robust privilege management mechanisms, regular security updates, and security awareness training for users can enhance the overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Samsung Mobile has released SMR Jun-2023 Release 1 to address the CVE-2023-21513 vulnerability. Users are recommended to apply this security update promptly to protect their devices from potential exploitation.