CVE-2023-21433
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local attackers to bypass Galaxy Store's access controls and install applications without proper authorization. It affects Samsung Galaxy devices with Galaxy Store versions prior to 4.5.49.8. The attacker must have physical access to the device or local execution capabilities.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung Galaxy Store
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious actor with physical device access installs malware or spyware that compromises user data, enables remote control, or bricks the device.
Likely Case
Local attacker installs unwanted applications, potentially leading to adware, data theft, or privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Proper access controls prevent unauthorized installations, limiting impact to denial of service if attacker attempts exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to device. No public exploit code identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.5.49.8 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://security.samsungmobile.com/serviceWeb.smsb?year=2023&month=01
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open Galaxy Store app. 2. Go to Settings > About Galaxy Store. 3. Check for updates. 4. Install update to version 4.5.49.8 or later. 5. Alternatively, update through device's system updates.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Galaxy Store
androidTemporarily disable Galaxy Store app to prevent exploitation
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.sec.android.app.samsungapps
Restrict physical access
allImplement physical security controls to prevent unauthorized device access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict physical security controls for devices
- Monitor for suspicious app installations and disable Galaxy Store if possible
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Galaxy Store version in app settings (Settings > About Galaxy Store). If version is below 4.5.49.8, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell dumpsys package com.sec.android.app.samsungapps | grep versionNameVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Galaxy Store version is 4.5.49.8 or higher in app settings.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected app installations via Galaxy Store
- Failed access control attempts in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual download activity from Galaxy Store servers
SIEM Query:
source="android_system" AND "package installed" AND "Galaxy Store" AND version<"4.5.49.8"