Physical code execution via bootloader boundary failure
Published May 4, 2023 · Updated Feb 12, 2025
A bootloader heap out-of-bounds write in Samsung Mobile Devices allows physically proximate attackers to execute arbitrary code. The bootloader writes beyond a heap buffer because its boundary check is insufficient; Samsung has not disclosed the affected routine or input format. Physical access to a selected Android 11, 12, or 13 Qualcomm device before SMR May-2023 Release 1 is required, and successful exploitation runs attacker-controlled code during the boot process.
Summary
What happened
A bootloader heap out-of-bounds write in Samsung Mobile Devices allows physically proximate attackers to execute arbitrary code. The bootloader writes beyond a heap buffer because its boundary check is insufficient; Samsung has not disclosed the affected routine or input format. Physical access to a selected Android 11, 12, or 13 Qualcomm device before SMR May-2023 Release 1 is required, and successful exploitation runs attacker-controlled code during the boot process.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-21489
- Published
- May 4, 2023
- Updated
- Feb 12, 2025
- Vendor
- Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
- Product
- Samsung Mobile Devices
- Classifications
- CWE-787
- Attack vector
- physical
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- May 4, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Feb 12, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=Selected Android 11, 12, 13 Qualcomm devices <SMR May-2023 Release 1
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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