CVE-2023-42552 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A detailed overview of Implicit intent hijacking vulnerability in Samsung Mobile's Firewall application affecting certain Android versions.

Understanding CVE-2023-42552

This section covers what CVE-2023-42552 entails, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-42552?

CVE-2023-42552 refers to an Implicit intent hijacking vulnerability in Samsung Mobile's Firewall application before versions 12.1.00.24 in Android 11, 13.1.00.16 in Android 12, and 14.1.00.7 in Android 13. This flaw allows a 3rd party application to tamper with the Firewall's database.

The Impact of CVE-2023-42552

The vulnerability poses a medium risk with a CVSS base score of 4.4, affecting the integrity and availability of the Firewall. It requires user interaction but no special privileges, making it exploitable by local attackers to manipulate Firewall data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-42552

In this section, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation method.

Vulnerability Description

The CVE-2023-42552 vulnerability allows unauthorized applications to interfere with the Firewall's database, potentially compromising its functionality and security mechanisms.

Affected Systems and Versions

Samsung Mobile's Firewall versions 12.1.00.24 in Android 11, 13.1.00.16 in Android 12, and 14.1.00.7 in Android 13 are affected by this vulnerability, exposing devices running these versions to the risk of database tampering.

Exploitation Mechanism

Local attackers can exploit this flaw without any specific privileges. By leveraging implicit intents, malicious applications can manipulate the Firewall's database, leading to potential security breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the immediate steps to take and long-term security practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-42552.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Samsung Mobile Firewall to the latest version to patch the vulnerability. Avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources and regularly monitor Firewall activities for any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, users should practice good security hygiene by keeping their devices up to date, using reputable security apps, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities and patches.

Patching and Updates

Samsung Mobile is expected to release patches addressing CVE-2023-42552. Users must promptly apply these updates to ensure their Firewall is secure from exploitation.