CVE-2023-21517 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A heap out-of-bound write vulnerability in Exynos baseband prior to SMR Jun-2023 Release 1 has been identified, potentially allowing a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. This CVE was published by Samsung Mobile on June 28, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-21517

This section covers insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2023-21517.

What is CVE-2023-21517?

CVE-2023-21517 refers to a heap out-of-bound write vulnerability present in Exynos baseband chips before the SMR Jun-2023 Release 1. Exploiting this vulnerability could enable a remote attacker to execute malicious code on affected devices.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21517

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows attackers to bypass security measures and potentially gain unauthorized access to devices running the affected Exynos baseband chips. The exploitation could lead to the execution of arbitrary code with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21517

This section delves deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21517.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2023-21517 is classified as a heap out-of-bound write vulnerability, falling under CWE-120 (Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input). This classic buffer overflow vulnerability could be leveraged by threat actors to manipulate memory contents and execute arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects select Samsung Mobile devices utilizing Exynos CP chipsets. Devices running versions less than SMR Jun-2023 Release 1 are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploit for CVE-2023-21517 involves triggering the heap out-of-bound write vulnerability in the Exynos baseband chip, allowing an attacker to craft malicious inputs to overwrite memory locations beyond the allocated buffer, potentially leading to the execution of unauthorized code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are important steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21517.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations and individuals should apply security updates provided by Samsung Mobile promptly to address the vulnerability.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers.
Monitor network traffic and system logs for any signs of exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch systems to ensure they are protected against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses in the infrastructure.
Educate users about best practices for cybersecurity and raise awareness about the importance of staying vigilant against potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Users of Samsung Mobile devices affected by CVE-2023-21517 should ensure that they install the latest SMR Jun-2023 Release 1 update provided by Samsung Mobile to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance the security of their devices.