External risk intelligence

Samsung Android: Kernel Pointer Disclosure Leading to ASLR Bypass

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-21492

A vulnerability in Samsung Android allows privileged local attackers to bypass security by accessing kernel pointers in log files. This could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive system data. The business risk involves potential data exposure if an attacker gains privileged access to a device.

1Halo Surface Signal

Samsung Android

11.012.013.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-21492

The vulnerability involves kernel-level log file information disclosure on mobile devices. It requires a privileged local attacker to access the system, making it inherently a local-only issue without public network exposure.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Kernel pointers are printed in log files, potentially allowing a privileged local attacker to bypass address space layout randomization (ASLR). This flaw could enable unauthorized access to sensitive information within the system's memory. The business risk involves potential unauthorized disclosure of kernel-level data, impacting the confidentiality of system operations.

  • Vulnerable component: Samsung Android log files
  • Core weakness: Kernel pointers exposed in logs
  • Main business impact: Sensitive data disclosure

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows a privileged local attacker to bypass Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) by inspecting kernel pointers present in log files. This bypass can provide attackers with information that aids in further system exploitation. The issue is present in specific Samsung Android releases prior to the May 2023 update.

  • Requires privileged local access.
  • Attacker reads kernel pointers from logs.
  • Bypasses ASLR for further exploitation.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow a privileged local attacker to bypass security features, potentially exposing sensitive kernel information. The impact on an organization involves the risk of unauthorized information disclosure if an attacker gains privileged access to a device. Given the nature of the exploit, treating this with urgency is advisable to mitigate potential data exposure.

  • Likely attacker skill: Privileged local user
  • Required access: Privileged local access
  • Business risk: Potential data exposure

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Organizations using Samsung mobile devices with specific Android versions should take immediate action to address a vulnerability that could allow a privileged local attacker to bypass security measures. This issue stems from kernel pointers being printed in log files, which can be exploited to gain unauthorized information. The vendor has released updates to address this vulnerability.

  • Identify affected Samsung mobile devices.
  • Isolate or reduce exposure of vulnerable devices.
  • Apply vendor updates, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-21492 and its impact on Samsung Android?

CVE-2023-21492 is a vulnerability in Samsung Android devices where kernel pointers are printed in log files. This allows a privileged local attacker to bypass ASLR, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.

What weakness class does CVE-2023-21492 fall under?

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-532, which describes the insertion of sensitive information into a log file.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2023-21492?

An attacker with privileged local access can exploit this by reading kernel pointers from log files. This information can then be used to bypass ASLR, a security measure that protects against memory corruption attacks.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-21492 according to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog?

CVE-2023-21492 is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, indicating it has been actively exploited. It affects Samsung mobile devices running Android 11, 12, and 13.

What are the recommended actions for organizations regarding CVE-2023-21492?

Organizations should identify affected Samsung devices, apply vendor-released updates promptly, and monitor for any signs of exploitation to mitigate the risk of unauthorized information disclosure.

References