Description Preview
Overview
Samsung's Secure Folder is a protected area on Samsung devices designed to store sensitive files, applications, and data separately from the main user space. This feature uses Samsung Knox security technology to create an isolated environment that typically requires additional authentication to access. The vulnerability (CVE-2023-21419) stems from improper implementation logic that causes the Secure Folder container to remain unlocked under specific conditions. This could potentially allow unauthorized users to access sensitive content stored within the Secure Folder without providing the required authentication credentials. The exact triggering conditions have not been publicly disclosed, likely to prevent exploitation until users can update their devices.
Remediation
Users of Samsung devices with Secure Folder functionality should immediately update their devices to the January 2023 Security Maintenance Release (SMR) Release 1 or later. To update your device:
- Go to Settings
- Navigate to Software Update or System Updates
- Tap on "Download and Install" or "Check for updates"
- Install any available updates
Until the update can be applied, users should consider these additional security measures:
- Manually lock Secure Folder when not in use
- Avoid leaving the device unattended
- Consider temporarily moving highly sensitive data to another secure location
- Enable additional device security features such as strong screen locks and biometric authentication
References
- Samsung Mobile Security - January 2023 Security Update: https://security.samsungmobile.com/securityUpdate.smsb?year=2023&month=01
- Samsung Knox Security Platform: https://www.samsungknox.com/
- CVE-2023-21419 in the National Vulnerability Database
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low
