CVE-2021-25370 is a medium-severity vulnerability found in Samsung Android devices that affects the dpu driver. This vulnerability allows an incorrect implementation handling file descriptor, which results in memory corruption leading to kernel panic. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.1, indicating a medium risk level. Organizations must address this vulnerability as it poses a threat to the stability of affected devices.
The vulnerability was published on March 26, 2021, and it is classified under CWE-416, which pertains to memory corruption issues. The exploitability of this vulnerability is critical, and it has been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog as of November 8, 2022. Organizations utilizing affected devices should prioritize patching to mitigate potential risks.
Risk to organizations includes system instability, leading to operational disruptions. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to cause significant harm, necessitating immediate attention and remediation efforts. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Given the potential impact of this vulnerability, it is essential for security teams to assess their environments and ensure that all devices are updated with the latest security patches released by Samsung.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2021-25370 vulnerability is characterized by an incorrect implementation handling file descriptor in the Samsung Android dpu driver prior to SMR Mar-2021 Release 1. The official description states, "An incorrect implementation handling file descriptor in dpu driver results in memory corruption leading to kernel panic." This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. The affected products include multiple versions of the Samsung Android operating system, particularly those prior to the March 2021 security release.
The vulnerability's CWE classification includes CWE-416, which represents memory corruption issues. This classification highlights the risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all of which are marked as high impact based on the CVSS metrics.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-25370 stems from the improper handling of file descriptors within the dpu driver of affected Samsung devices. This vulnerability has a physical attack vector and requires high privileges to exploit, indicating that the attacker would need direct access to the device. The complexity of the attack is rated as high, meaning that it may require advanced skills and knowledge of the system.
User interaction is not required, as the vulnerability can be exploited without any action from the device user. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all significant, as confirmed by the CVSS metrics.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment risk associated with CVE-2021-25370 is substantial, particularly for organizations utilizing Samsung mobile devices. The blast radius potential could affect a large number of devices if not promptly patched. Organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation based on the medium severity level indicated by the CVSS score.
Urgency for remediation is categorized as critical, given the exploitability status and the potential impacts of system instability. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Samsung Android include 8.0, 8.1, 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0 with multiple specific release identifiers prior to the March 2021 security release. Organizations should review their devices against the provided criteria to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions to remediate this vulnerability effectively. Ensure that all affected devices are updated to the latest firmware to protect against potential exploitation. For those unable to immediately apply patches, consider implementing configuration hardening and network controls to mitigate risks.
Continuous monitoring for any unusual behavior or logs indicating exploitation attempts should also be established. Organizations may consider engaging in continuous penetration testing to validate the effectiveness of security measures in place.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unexpected kernel panic events or crashes on affected devices. Behavioral anomalies may indicate attempted exploitation, and network signatures should be established to identify unusual traffic patterns associated with the vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-25370 exemplifies the importance of timely security updates and the risks associated with memory corruption vulnerabilities. As mobile devices become increasingly integrated into everyday operations, the ramifications of such vulnerabilities can extend beyond individual devices to organizational infrastructures.
This case underscores the need for organizations to maintain an active vulnerability management program, ensuring that security assessments and patches are applied promptly. Security teams should remain vigilant and proactive in their security posture by regularly reviewing the state of their mobile device security.
For further guidance on maintaining security in mobile environments, organizations may refer to best practices in mobile app penetration testing and engaging in effective vulnerability management.
Organizations should also consider the value of penetration testing methodology to ensure comprehensive coverage of potential vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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