CVE-2023-50806
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows out-of-bounds heap buffer access in the SIM Proactive Command handler of affected Samsung processors and modems. Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code, read sensitive memory, or cause denial of service. It affects Samsung mobile devices, wearables, and modems using the listed Exynos processors.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung Mobile Processor
- Samsung Wearable Processor
- Samsung Modems
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution allowing full device compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation via malicious SIM card or baseband interaction.
Likely Case
Denial of service (device crash/reboot) or limited information disclosure from memory corruption via specially crafted SIM commands.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are patched, use secure SIM cards, and have network-level protections against malicious baseband interactions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires SIM card manipulation or baseband interaction. No public exploits known, but CVSS 8.4 suggests significant attack potential.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Device-specific firmware updates from Samsung
Vendor Advisory: https://semiconductor.samsung.com/support/quality-support/product-security-updates/cve-2023-50806/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Samsung device firmware updates in Settings > Software update. 2. Apply available updates. 3. For enterprise devices, use Samsung Knox or MDM to deploy patches. 4. Contact carrier for modem-specific updates if applicable.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable SIM features
allLimit SIM proactive command functionality through carrier settings or device configuration
Use eSIM instead of physical SIM
alleSIM may bypass some SIM card attack vectors, though baseband vulnerabilities remain
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from untrusted networks and limit cellular connectivity
- Implement network monitoring for anomalous baseband/SIM communications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device model and processor in Settings > About phone > Model number and Processor. Compare with affected list.Check Version:
Settings > About phone > Software information > Baseband version and Build numberVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version after update matches latest available from Samsung for your device model.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Baseband crash logs
- SIM card error messages
- Unexpected device reboots
Network Indicators:
- Anomalous SIM proactive commands
- Unusual baseband traffic patterns
SIEM Query:
Device logs containing 'SIM proactive command error' or 'baseband crash' for Samsung devices🔗 References
- https://semiconductor.samsung.com/support/quality-support/product-security-updates/
- https://semiconductor.samsung.com/support/quality-support/product-security-updates/cve-2023-50806/
- https://semiconductor.samsung.com/support/quality-support/product-security-updates/
- https://semiconductor.samsung.com/support/quality-support/product-security-updates/cve-2023-50806/
