External risk intelligence

Samsung DSP Driver Library Loading Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-25371

The vulnerability exists within a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) driver on mobile devices. This is a low-level, hardware-specific component that is not reachable via the public internet and requires local, privileged access to the device to interact with the driver, making it entirely unsuitable for remote network-based exploitation.

Samsung Android

10.011.0

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability exists within a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) driver. This flaw allows for the loading of arbitrary ELF libraries into the DSP. The impact of this vulnerability can include unauthorized code execution and potential compromise of system integrity.

  • Vulnerable DSP driver
  • Arbitrary ELF library loading
  • System integrity compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A vulnerability exists in the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) driver, prior to specific software releases, that allows attackers to load arbitrary ELF libraries inside the DSP. This could potentially impact systems by allowing unauthorized code execution within the DSP environment. The nature of this vulnerability suggests a need for careful review of system access controls and software integrity.

  • Requires local, privileged access.
  • Attacker loads arbitrary ELF libraries.
  • Results in control or impact within DSP.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to load arbitrary code within the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) driver. Such an attack could lead to a compromise of system integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability requires specific, privileged access to the affected device.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Advanced
  • Required access or conditions: Local, privileged access
  • Business risk or urgency: Moderate, patch promptly

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The identified vulnerability could allow attackers to load arbitrary ELF libraries within the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) driver. This impacts Samsung Android devices and Exynos chipsets, potentially affecting system integrity and confidentiality. Organizations should prioritize understanding their exposure to this vulnerability and implementing appropriate remediation steps.

  • Identify affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Supplementary metadata

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Samsung DSP driver vulnerability (CVE-2021-25371) affecting mobile devices?

A vulnerability in a Samsung Digital Signal Processor (DSP) driver, prior to the SMR March 2021 Release 1, allows attackers to load arbitrary ELF libraries into the DSP. This specialized processor handles tasks like audio and image processing.

What weakness class is associated with CVE-2021-25371?

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-912, indicating an insecure handling of system information. It permits the loading of arbitrary code within the DSP, potentially enabling unauthorized actions.

How can an attacker exploit the DSP driver vulnerability?

An attacker with local, privileged access to the device can load arbitrary executable files (ELF libraries) into the DSP. This occurs because of an issue in the DSP driver, impacting Samsung Android and Exynos chipsets.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-25371 to Samsung devices?

This vulnerability affects Samsung Android devices and those with Exynos chipsets, such as Exynos 2100, 980, and 9830. Its relevance lies in the potential for system integrity and confidentiality compromise due to unauthorized code execution within the DSP.

What actions should be taken to address the Samsung DSP driver vulnerability?

Organizations should identify affected assets, reduce exposure or isolate risk, and then apply fixes, verify the remediation, and monitor the system. Prioritizing an understanding of exposure and implementing remediation steps is crucial.

References