CVE-2023-42576 in Samsung Pass
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2023
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Samsung Pass prior to version 4.3.00.17 allows physical attackers to bypass authentication due to invalid exception handler.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42576 represents a critical improper authentication flaw within Samsung Pass, a biometric authentication application designed to secure mobile devices through fingerprint and facial recognition systems. This weakness specifically affects versions prior to 4.3.00.17 and creates a significant security risk by allowing physical attackers to bypass the intended authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from an invalid exception handler implementation that fails to properly validate authentication states, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to protected device functions and data.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's exception handling routine where the Samsung Pass system does not adequately manage error conditions during the authentication process. When authentication attempts fail or encounter unexpected conditions, the application's exception handler incorrectly processes these scenarios, allowing an attacker to manipulate the system into accepting invalid authentication attempts. This improper handling creates a persistent vulnerability that can be exploited through physical access to the device, as the attacker does not require network connectivity or complex attack vectors to exploit the weakness. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the Android operating system framework, specifically affecting how the system processes authentication exceptions and manages the transition between authentication states.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches and complete device compromise. Physical attackers who can manipulate the authentication flow gain access to all protected applications and data stored on the device, including sensitive personal information, financial records, and corporate data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through straightforward manipulation of the application's authentication flow, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security controls may be inadequate. This weakness undermines the fundamental security model of biometric authentication systems and can lead to cascading security failures when attackers use the compromised device as a foothold for further attacks.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including mandatory firmware updates to version 4.3.00.17 or later, which contains the patched exception handling logic. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as device encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and monitoring for unauthorized authentication attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1548.002 related to abuse of authentication mechanisms. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the importance of robust exception handling in security-critical applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of authentication flows. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their mobile device management policies and ensure that all devices are updated to the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.