CVE-2024-20802: Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2024-20802, an improper access control vulnerability affecting Samsung DeX prior to SMR Jan-2024 Release 1. The vulnerability allows the owner to access other users' notifications in a multi-user environment.

Understanding CVE-2024-20802

CVE-2024-20802 is a security vulnerability that impacts Samsung DeX before the SMR Jan-2024 Release 1, potentially exposing sensitive information in a multi-user setting.

What is CVE-2024-20802?

The CVE-2024-20802 vulnerability is categorized as CWE-284: Improper Access Control. It allows the owner of a Samsung mobile device to access notifications of other users within a multi-user environment, posing a risk to confidentiality.

The Impact of CVE-2024-20802

With a CVSSv3.1 base score of 4.6, the impact of CVE-2024-20802 is considered medium severity. The vulnerability has a high confidentiality impact as it enables unauthorized access to other users' notifications, potentially leading to data exposure and privacy breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-20802

The following technical details shed light on the vulnerability's specifics, affected systems, and how the exploitation can occur.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2024-20802 is an improper access control vulnerability in Samsung DeX, allowing the device owner to view notifications meant for other users in a multi-user environment. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Samsung Mobile Devices running versions prior to the SMR Jan-2024 Release 1. Specifically, it impacts selected Android 13 devices included in the mentioned software update.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2024-20802 requires physical access to the Samsung mobile device. Attackers with no privileges required can view notifications intended for other users on the device, compromising the confidentiality of data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against the CVE-2024-20802 vulnerability, immediate steps, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to be cautious while utilizing multi-user settings on Samsung DeX and refrain from accessing notifications of other users. Additionally, limiting physical access to the device can help mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access control mechanisms, enforcing user permissions, and regularly reviewing device settings can enhance overall security posture and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Patching and Updates

Samsung has addressed the CVE-2024-20802 vulnerability in the SMR Jan-2024 Release 1 update. Users are strongly encouraged to apply this update promptly to eliminate the security flaw and protect their devices from potential exploits.