CVE-2023-49928
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Samsung Exynos baseband software allows improper state checking in RRC (Radio Resource Control) protocols, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure. It affects Samsung mobile devices, wearables, and modems using the listed Exynos processors. Attackers could exploit this to intercept or leak device communication data.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung Mobile Processor
- Samsung Wearable Processor
- Samsung Modem Exynos 980
- Exynos 990
- Exynos 850
- Exynos 1080
- Exynos 2100
- Exynos 2200
- Exynos 1280
- Exynos 1380
- Exynos 1330
- Exynos 9110
- Exynos W920
- Exynos Modem 5123
- Exynos Modem 5300
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of cellular communication security, allowing interception of calls, messages, and data transmission, potentially exposing location data and personal information.
Likely Case
Limited information disclosure of cellular network communication metadata or partial data leakage during specific network handshake scenarios.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper network segmentation and monitoring, though baseband vulnerabilities remain difficult to fully mitigate without patches.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires proximity to target device and specialized radio equipment/knowledge. No public exploit code available at disclosure.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Device/OS specific - check Samsung security updates
Vendor Advisory: https://semiconductor.samsung.com/support/quality-support/product-security-updates/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Samsung security updates on affected device. 2. Install latest available security patch. 3. Reboot device after installation. 4. Verify patch installation in device settings.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable cellular bands
allTemporarily disable affected cellular network bands if device supports band locking (requires specialized tools/knowledge)
Use Wi-Fi calling when available
allReduce reliance on vulnerable cellular baseband by using Wi-Fi calling features
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices on separate network segments with strict monitoring
- Implement additional encryption layers for sensitive communications (VPN, encrypted messaging apps)
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device model and processor information in Settings > About Phone, then cross-reference with Samsung security bulletinsCheck Version:
Settings vary by device; typically Settings > About Phone > Software InformationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level in Settings > About Phone > Software Information matches or exceeds patch dates in Samsung advisories📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual baseband/RRC protocol errors
- Abnormal cellular handshake patterns
- Unexpected modem resets
Network Indicators:
- Anomalous cellular protocol traffic patterns
- Unexpected RRC state transitions
SIEM Query:
Not applicable - baseband level detection requires specialized cellular monitoring equipment