How severe is CVE-2023-21491?

CVE-2023-21491 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity high, and availability low.

Is CVE-2023-21491 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-21491?

CVE-2023-21491 primarily affects Samsung Android. In total, 24 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-21491?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2023-21491 published?

CVE-2023-21491 was published on 2023-05-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-21491

CVE-2023-21491 is a high-severity vulnerability in Samsung Android with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-284.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (5th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-284
Affected product: Samsung Android
Published: 2023-05-04
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper access control vulnerability in ThemeManager prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to write arbitrary files with system privilege.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-21491?: Improper access control vulnerability in ThemeManager prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to write arbitrary files with system privilege.
How severe is CVE-2023-21491?: CVE-2023-21491 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity high, and availability low.
Is CVE-2023-21491 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-21491?: CVE-2023-21491 primarily affects Samsung Android. In total, 24 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-21491?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-21491 published?: CVE-2023-21491 was published on 2023-05-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://security.samsungmobile.com/securityUpdate.smsb?year=2023&month=05

Affected products (24)

cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-apr-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-aug-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-dec-2021-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-dec-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-feb-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-feb-2023-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-jan-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-jul-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-jun-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-mar-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-may-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-nov-2021-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-nov-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-oct-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:12.0:smr-sep-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:13.0:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:13.0:smr-apr-2023-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:13.0:smr-dec-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:13.0:smr-feb-2023-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:13.0:smr-jan-2023-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:13.0:smr-mar-2023-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:13.0:smr-nov-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:samsung:android:13.0:smr-oct-2022-r1:*:*:*:*:*:*

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