CVE-2023-21460 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record for CVE-2023-21460 was published by Samsung Mobile on March 16, 2023. The vulnerability involves improper authentication in SecSettings prior to SMR Mar-2023 Release 1, which allows attackers to reset the setting on Samsung mobile devices running Android 11, 12, or 13.

Understanding CVE-2023-21460

This section provides an in-depth look at CVE-2023-21460, including what it entails and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-21460?

CVE-2023-21460 is a vulnerability identified in SecSettings prior to SMR Mar-2023 Release 1 on Samsung Mobile Devices. It involves improper authentication that can be exploited by attackers to reset device settings.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21460

The impact of CVE-2023-21460 is considered medium with a base severity rating of 4.4. The vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized changes to device settings by malicious actors, compromising the integrity and availability of the affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21460

In this section, we delve into specific technical details of the vulnerability, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in SecSettings prior to SMR Mar-2023 Release 1 is categorized under CWE-287: Improper Authentication. It allows attackers to bypass authentication measures and reset device settings without proper authorization.

Affected Systems and Versions

Samsung mobile devices running Android 11, 12, or 13 are affected by CVE-2023-21460 if they are using versions less than SMR Mar-2023 Release 1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the lack of proper authentication controls in SecSettings to manipulate device settings without the necessary permissions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-21460 and prevent exploitation, users and organizations should take immediate steps to secure their devices and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately updating affected Samsung mobile devices to SMR Mar-2023 Release 1 or newer can mitigate the risk of exploitation. It is essential to ensure that devices are running the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, such as enabling two-factor authentication, using strong passwords, and regularly updating software and firmware, can help strengthen overall device security and prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security updates and applying patches promptly is crucial in mitigating vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21460. Regularly checking for and installing official security updates from Samsung Mobile can help protect devices from potential security threats.