CVE-2023-26076 – This vulnerability allows remote attackers to e... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-26076?

CVE-2023-26076 has a CVSS score of 7.6 (HIGH). This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Samsung mobile devices via a crafted 5G network message. It affects Samsung Exynos chipsets used in smartphones and automotive systems. Attackers can exploit this without user interaction when devices connect to malicious base stations.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Samsung mobile devices via a crafted 5G network message. It affects Samsung Exynos chipsets used in smartphones and automotive systems. Attackers can exploit this without user interaction when devices connect to malicious base stations.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Samsung Exynos 1280
Samsung Exynos 2200
Samsung Exynos Modem 5123
Samsung Exynos Modem 5300
Samsung Exynos Auto T5123

Versions: All versions prior to security patches

Operating Systems: Android, Automotive OS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects devices using these chipsets regardless of manufacturer. Requires cellular connectivity to exploit.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Full remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, data theft, persistent backdoor installation, and device bricking.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution allowing surveillance, data exfiltration, and device control without user knowledge.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if devices are patched or network-level protections block malicious 5G traffic.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Exploitable via malicious cellular network traffic without user interaction.

🏢 Internal Only: LOW - Primarily requires cellular network access rather than internal network access.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

Project Zero demonstrated exploitation. Requires ability to send malicious 5G messages to target devices.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Vendor-specific security updates

Vendor Advisory: https://semiconductor.samsung.com/support/quality-support/product-security-updates/

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check for device manufacturer security updates. 2. Apply latest firmware/OS updates. 3. Reboot device after update.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable 5G connectivity

android

Switch to 4G/LTE only mode to prevent exploitation via 5G network messages

Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode > LTE/3G/2G

Use trusted networks only

all

Avoid connecting to unknown or untrusted cellular networks

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Isolate affected devices from untrusted cellular networks
Implement network monitoring for anomalous 5G traffic patterns

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device chipset model in Settings > About phone > Hardware info. If using affected Exynos chipsets, assume vulnerable unless patched.

Check Version:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.hardware

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify security patch level in Settings > About phone > Software information. Ensure patch date is after March 2023.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Baseband crash logs
Unexpected modem resets
5G connection anomalies

Network Indicators:

Unusual 5G SM message patterns
Suspicious base station connections

SIEM Query:

source="android_logs" AND ("modem_crash" OR "baseband_failure" OR "5G_anomaly")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-26076

CVSS v3 Score: 7.6 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:H

CWE: CWE-120

Published: March 13, 2023

Last Updated: March 3, 2025

🔗 References

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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