CVE-2021-25487 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Samsung Android devices. This vulnerability allows for an out-of-bounds (OOB) read due to a lack of boundary checking in the set_skb_priv() function of the modem interface driver. It results in arbitrary code execution by dereferencing an invalid function pointer. Organizations using affected Samsung devices should prioritize remediation as the risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and control over the affected systems.
The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 7.3, indicating a high severity level. This score reflects the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, particularly with a high confidentiality impact. Given the nature of the affected systems and the potential for exploitation, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, no public exploit has been confirmed, but the vulnerability is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, highlighting its significance. Organizations are urged to apply vendor-released updates or discontinue the use of affected products if updates are unavailable.
The urgency for defenders is high, as the potential for exploitation exists, and the ramifications could be significant in terms of data breaches or system compromise. Organizations should take immediate action to secure their devices against this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states: 'Lack of boundary checking of a buffer in set_skb_priv() of modem interface driver prior to SMR Oct-2021 Release 1 allows OOB read and it results in arbitrary code execution by dereference of invalid function pointer.' This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125, which relates to out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities.
The CVSS version 3.1 metrics indicate a local attack vector with a low attack complexity, low privileges required, and no user interaction necessary for exploitation. The confidentiality impact is high, while both integrity and availability impacts are low and none, respectively.
The vulnerability was published on October 6, 2021, and affects multiple versions of Samsung Android, specifically versions 8.1 through 11.0 across various SMR releases.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-25487 stems from improper boundary checking within the modem interface driver. This oversight allows an attacker to exploit the system by reading out-of-bounds memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have access to the device to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, indicating that successful exploitation does not require significant skill or resources. The privileges required are also low, suggesting that even users with restricted access could potentially exploit the vulnerability. No user interaction is necessary, making it particularly concerning.
In terms of impact, the confidentiality impact is high as the vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data. The integrity impact is low, and there is no availability impact, meaning the operations of the systems remain intact even if the vulnerability is exploited.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access, control, and even data breaches due to the exploitation of this vulnerability. Given the nature of mobile devices and their integration into daily operations, the blast radius could be significant, especially if exploited in enterprise environments.
The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score and KEV catalog inclusion indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The potential for exploitation is concerning, and organizations should be proactive in their approach to mitigate risks.
Organizations should evaluate their existing security controls and consider additional monitoring for unusual activity associated with the affected devices.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of Samsung Android include 8.1, 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0 across several SMR releases prior to October 2021. Organizations should ensure that all devices are updated to the latest security patches to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should apply updates as per vendor instructions. Samsung has provided patches in the security updates since the October 2021 release. If updates are unavailable, consider discontinuing the use of affected products until they can be adequately secured.
Organizations should also implement configuration hardening practices to secure devices, including disabling unnecessary services and ensuring proper access controls are in place. Continuous monitoring should be established to detect any unauthorized access attempts.
Continuous security testing can also help validate the effectiveness of the implemented security measures.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation, including unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts to modify system settings. Behavioral anomalies associated with device performance can also signal potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
Network signatures that identify abnormal traffic to and from the devices should be implemented to enhance detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-25487 represents a critical risk to Samsung mobile device users, as it exemplifies the ongoing challenges in boundary checking within software development. Security teams must remain vigilant in their monitoring strategies and ensure that all devices are kept up to date.
This vulnerability also serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing robust security practices during the development phase to prevent such issues from arising.
For further insights into managing vulnerabilities and securing mobile applications, organizations can refer to our comprehensive Mobile App Penetration Testing Guide and explore best practices for application security.
Additionally, organizations are encouraged to stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities through regular engagement with security resources.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)