CVE-2021-25394 is a use after free vulnerability that arises from a race condition in the MFC charger driver for Samsung devices prior to SMR MAY-2021 Release 1. This flaw allows arbitrary write access if a radio privilege is compromised, which could potentially lead to unauthorized actions on affected devices.
The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS 3.1 score of 6.4, categorizing it as medium severity. The implications of this vulnerability are significant as it can impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all rated as high in the CVSS metrics.
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access and control over mobile devices, which could be exploited by attackers with certain privileges. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate these risks.
As of now, there is no confirmed public exploit available for this vulnerability, but it is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating a recognized risk. Organizations utilizing affected Samsung devices should ensure they apply the necessary updates as per vendor instructions.
Vulnerability Details
The official description indicates that this vulnerability allows arbitrary write access due to a use after free condition. This can occur if the MFC charger driver experiences a race condition, which is particularly concerning for devices running Android versions 8.1 through 11.0, as detailed in the CVE.
The vulnerability, cataloged under CWE-416 and CWE-362, means that it can lead to significant security risks if exploited. The CVSS 3.1 score further underlines the importance of addressing this vulnerability in a timely manner.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-25394 is a race condition that enables a use after free scenario in the MFC charger driver. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have physical access or be on the same network as the device to exploit this vulnerability.
Given the high attack complexity and the need for high privileges, this vulnerability may not be easily exploitable by average attackers but poses a significant risk if attackers can gain necessary privileges.
The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all high, indicating that successful exploitation could lead to critical data being exposed, altered, or rendered unavailable.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment risk associated with this vulnerability is heightened due to the widespread use of Samsung mobile devices across various sectors, including enterprise and personal use. Organizations should be aware that if exploited, the blast radius could extend significantly, affecting not only individual users but potentially compromising organizational data.
Urgency for remediation is critical, given that this vulnerability is included in the KEV catalog and has a high potential for exploitation if the required actions are not taken promptly. Organizations need to act swiftly to apply the recommended patches to safeguard their systems.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable configurations include various versions of Android from 8.1 to 11.0, specifically those prior to the SMR MAY-2021 Release 1. All versions prior to vendor patch are at risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest updates from Samsung to mitigate this vulnerability. If updates are unavailable, discontinuing use of affected products may be necessary. For detailed procedures, refer to the vendor advisory.
For ongoing protection, consider implementing penetration testing to regularly assess the security of your mobile applications.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unusual behavior in mobile applications and maintaining behavioral baselines can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Keeping track of application updates and device configurations is essential for identifying changes that could indicate a security issue.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-25394 highlights the risks associated with race conditions in software, particularly in critical system drivers. This case exemplifies the importance of rigorous testing and validation in software development to prevent such vulnerabilities.
Security teams should learn from this incident to enhance their testing methodologies and prepare for similar vulnerabilities in future software releases. Ensuring that security is embedded within the development process can significantly reduce the likelihood of such vulnerabilities arising.
For a comprehensive understanding of vulnerability management, organizations can refer to the vulnerability management program design that helps in addressing vulnerabilities effectively and proactively.
Additionally, security teams can explore advanced strategies through penetration testing methodology to strengthen their security posture against emerging threats.
Finally, organizations should stay informed about the latest trends in security threats and response strategies by visiting the cloud penetration testing guide to adapt their defenses accordingly.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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