CVE-2021-25372 is classified as a medium-severity vulnerability, primarily affecting Samsung's Android devices. This vulnerability allows out-of-bounds memory access due to an improper boundary check in the DSP driver prior to the SMR Mar-2021 Release 1. The CVSS score of 6.1 indicates a moderate level of risk associated with this flaw, which necessitates prompt attention from security teams.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and manipulation of device memory, which could compromise the integrity and availability of impacted devices. Given the nature of this vulnerability, it is crucial that organizations prioritize patching to safeguard their Android devices and associated user data.
As of the latest updates, there are no known public exploits for this vulnerability, but its classification in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog indicates the potential for active exploitation. Organizations should be vigilant and ensure that their devices are running the latest security updates.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability states that an improper boundary check in the DSP driver prior to SMR Mar-2021 Release 1 allows for out-of-bounds memory access. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 and CWE-703, highlighting the issues related to improper input validation and boundary checking.
The CVSS version 3.1 metrics indicate a base score of 6.1 with a medium severity. The attack vector is classified as physical, requiring high privileges to exploit. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high, indicating that successful exploitation could lead to significant consequences.
The affected products include Samsung Android devices running versions that are prior to the SMR Mar-2021 Release 1. The publication date of this vulnerability is March 26, 2021.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper boundary checks within the DSP driver code. This flaw can be exploited when an attacker with physical access to the device attempts to manipulate memory operations, potentially leading to crashes or unexpected behavior.
The attack vector is classified as physical, meaning physical access to the device is required to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is rated as high, indicating that exploitation requires a significant level of expertise and privilege.
Privileges required for successful exploitation are high, meaning the attacker must have elevated access rights. User interaction is not required, making the exploitation potentially more straightforward for a malicious actor.
The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high, signifying that the vulnerability could allow unauthorized access to sensitive information, alteration of data, and disruptions to service availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2021-25372 is significant, especially considering the prevalence of Samsung Android devices. With the ability to access and manipulate system memory, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain control over devices, affecting user privacy and data security.
The potential blast radius for this vulnerability extends to all Samsung Android devices running affected versions. Given the widespread use of these devices, the urgency of addressing this vulnerability cannot be overstated, making it essential for organizations to implement necessary updates.
Based on the CVSS metrics and its entry in the KEV catalog, organizations should treat the remediation of this vulnerability as a high priority. Organizations should address in priority patch cycle.
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 those running versions prior to the SMR Mar-2021 Release 1. Specifically, the following configurations are vulnerable:
1. Samsung Android 10.0 SMR Feb-2021 R1
2. Samsung Android 10.0 SMR Jan-2021 R1
3. Samsung Android 11.0 SMR Feb-2021 R1
4. Samsung Android 11.0 SMR Jan-2021 R1
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest security updates provided by Samsung. The vendor has released patches addressing this issue, and it is crucial to follow their instructions for updating affected devices.
If updates are unavailable, organizations should consider discontinuing the use of vulnerable devices until appropriate patches can be applied. Additionally, implementing proper configuration hardening and monitoring can help reduce the attack surface.
Organizations should validate remediation through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unusual behavior or memory access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should be vigilant for any behavioral anomalies that could indicate an attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
Network signatures associated with known exploit attempts should be implemented to enhance detection capabilities. Ensuring that systems are configured to log relevant events will also aid in identifying any unauthorized access or modifications.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-25372 lies in its demonstration of how even minor vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences in widely used consumer products. As security becomes increasingly critical, organizations must adopt robust vulnerability management practices.
This vulnerability reflects a broader pattern in device security, where improper input validation can lead to significant exploits. Security teams must learn from such incidents to enhance their coding practices and ensure thorough testing.
Strategic defensive takeaways include the necessity of continuous security assessments and adopting a proactive approach to vulnerabilities. Organizations can benefit from engaging in regular continuous penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Finally, organizations should consider leveraging red teaming services to simulate real-world attacks and better prepare for potential threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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