CVE-2023-26496 – This vulnerability allows memory corruption in ... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-26496?

CVE-2023-26496 has a CVSS score of 8.6 (HIGH). This vulnerability allows memory corruption in Samsung baseband chipsets due to improper parameter length checking while parsing SDP fmtp attributes. Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service on affected devices. This affects devices using Samsung Exynos 5123, 5300, 980, 1080, and Auto T5124 baseband modems.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows memory corruption in Samsung baseband chipsets due to improper parameter length checking while parsing SDP fmtp attributes. Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service on affected devices. This affects devices using Samsung Exynos 5123, 5300, 980, 1080, and Auto T5124 baseband modems.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Samsung Exynos Modem 5123
Samsung Exynos Modem 5300
Samsung Exynos 980
Samsung Exynos 1080
Samsung Exynos Auto T5124

Versions: All versions prior to vendor patches

Operating Systems: Android, Embedded systems using affected chipsets

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects devices from multiple manufacturers using these Samsung baseband chipsets, not just Samsung phones.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Remote code execution on the baseband processor allowing complete device compromise, interception of cellular communications, and persistent backdoor installation.

🟠

Likely Case

Denial of service causing cellular connectivity loss, potential for limited code execution within baseband constraints.

🟢

If Mitigated

Baseband crash requiring device reboot, temporary loss of cellular service until restart.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Baseband processors handle cellular network traffic directly from external sources.

🏢 Internal Only: LOW - This vulnerability requires cellular network interaction, not internal network access.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires sending specially crafted SDP messages over cellular networks. No public exploit code available at disclosure.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Vendor-specific firmware updates

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

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check with device manufacturer for firmware updates. 2. Apply baseband firmware update through device settings or manufacturer tools. 3. Reboot device after update completion.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable vulnerable SDP features

all

Restrict SDP parsing capabilities in baseband configuration if supported by device firmware.

Network filtering

all

Implement cellular network filtering for malicious SDP packets at carrier level.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Isolate affected devices from untrusted cellular networks when possible
Monitor for baseband crashes or unusual cellular connectivity issues

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device specifications for affected Exynos modem chipsets and verify firmware version against manufacturer security bulletins.

Check Version:

Android: Settings > About phone > Baseband version; Other devices: Manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm baseband firmware version has been updated to patched version from manufacturer.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Baseband crash logs
Unexpected modem resets
Cellular connectivity loss events

Network Indicators:

Malformed SDP packets in cellular traffic
Unusual SDP attribute parsing attempts

SIEM Query:

Baseband logs containing 'crash', 'reset', or 'SDP error' for affected chipset models

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-26496

CVSS v3 Score: 8.6 (HIGH)

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

CWE: CWE-787

Published: March 23, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://semiconductor.samsung.com/processor/mobile-processor/ Product
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/processor/modem/ Product
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/support/quality-support/product-security-updates/ Vendor Advisory
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/processor/mobile-processor/ Product
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/processor/modem/ Product
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/support/quality-support/product-security-updates/ Vendor Advisory

📤 Share & Export

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