CVE-2023-41111 in Exynos 9610
Summary
by MITRE • 11/08/2023
An issue was discovered in Samsung Mobile Processor, Wearable Processor, Automotive Processor, and Modem (Exynos 9810, 9610, 9820, 980, 850, 1080, 2100, 2200, 1280, 1380, 1330, 9110, W920, Modem 5123, Modem 5300, and Auto T5123). Improper handling of a length parameter inconsistency can cause abnormal termination of a mobile phone. This occurs in the RLC task and RLC module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41111 represents a critical flaw in Samsung's Exynos processor family that affects mobile phones, wearables, automotive systems, and modems. This issue stems from improper handling of length parameter inconsistencies within the Radio Link Control (RLC) task and RLC module components of the affected processors. The vulnerability manifests as abnormal termination of mobile phone operations, potentially leading to complete system failures and service disruptions. The affected hardware spans multiple generations of Samsung's Exynos processors including the 9810, 9610, 9820, 980, 850, 1080, 2100, 2200, 1280, 1380, 1330, 9110, W920, Modem 5123, Modem 5300, and Auto T5123 processors. This widespread impact across different processor variants indicates a fundamental architectural flaw that affects Samsung's entire mobile and automotive ecosystem.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation and handling of length parameters within the RLC module's processing logic. The RLC task operates within the wireless communication stack of mobile devices, responsible for managing data transmission reliability and error correction between the device and cellular networks. When inconsistencies occur in how length parameters are processed, the system fails to properly validate incoming data structures, leading to memory corruption or execution flow disruptions. This improper handling creates a condition where malformed or unexpected length values can cause the processor to terminate operations abnormally, potentially resulting in complete system crashes or device lockups. The vulnerability specifically impacts the RLC module's ability to correctly interpret and process data packets, which are fundamental to maintaining wireless connectivity and communication services.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-41111 extends beyond simple device malfunctions to encompass potential security and availability risks. Mobile phone users may experience unexpected device shutdowns during critical communications, potentially leading to loss of connectivity during emergency situations or important business calls. In automotive applications, this vulnerability could compromise vehicle communication systems, affecting telematics services, emergency response systems, and connectivity features. The abnormal termination behavior creates a denial-of-service condition that could be exploited by attackers to repeatedly crash devices or disrupt service availability. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability may also serve as a vector for more sophisticated attacks, as system crashes can create opportunities for privilege escalation or information disclosure. The widespread nature of affected processors means that millions of devices could be vulnerable, creating a significant risk to consumer safety and device reliability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-41111 should focus on both immediate device-level protections and long-term architectural improvements. Samsung should implement firmware updates that correct the length parameter validation logic within the RLC module, ensuring proper bounds checking and error handling. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected hardware variants. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and parameter handling in communication protocols, aligning with CWE-129 which addresses improper validation of length parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring systems to detect abnormal termination patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability relates to T1499.004 - Endpoint Denial of Service and T1566.001 - Phishing, as attackers might attempt to trigger the vulnerability through malicious communications or crafted data packets. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the RLC module's behavior under various length parameter conditions to ensure the fix does not introduce new instability. Regular security assessments of communication stacks and processor modules should be conducted to identify similar parameter handling issues that could lead to similar vulnerabilities in the future.