External risk intelligence

Samsung Mobile Device Memory Access Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-25372

A memory access vulnerability exists in Samsung mobile devices due to an improper boundary check in the DSP driver. This could allow unauthorized access to memory, potentially affecting data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability. The business risk involves potential data compromise and system disruption i

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Samsung Android

10.011.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-25372

The vulnerability exists within a DSP driver on mobile devices, which is a local hardware/software component. Access requires physical possession or execution of code within the local environment of the mobile device. It is not an internet-facing service or remotely reachable interface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability has been identified in the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) driver within certain Samsung Android devices. This flaw is due to an improper boundary check, which can lead to memory access outside of designated areas. The identified weakness could potentially impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems on affected devices.

  • Vulnerable DSP driver
  • Improper memory boundary check
  • Potential data and system compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability arises from an inadequate boundary check within the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) driver. Exploitation could allow an attacker with appropriate privileges to access memory outside of allocated bounds, potentially leading to significant system compromise. This could impact the integrity and confidentiality of data and the overall availability of affected systems.

  • Requires local, privileged access.
  • Attacker triggers out-of-bounds memory access.
  • Results in control or data impact.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an attacker with specific access to a device to execute unauthorized code, potentially leading to significant data compromise and system disruption. The business risk is elevated because the vulnerability has been documented as actively exploited, and affected systems could experience severe impacts to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to mitigate potential damage and maintain operational stability.

  • Likely attacker skill level: High
  • Required access or conditions: Local device access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability involves an improper boundary check in a device's DSP driver, potentially allowing unauthorized memory access. Organizations should prioritize identifying systems that may be affected by this issue to understand their specific exposure. Mitigation strategies and vendor-provided fixes should then be implemented to address the vulnerability.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the Samsung Android DSP driver vulnerability (CVE-2021-25372) impacting Samsung mobile devices?

CVE-2021-25372 is a vulnerability in the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) driver of Samsung Android devices. An improper boundary check in this driver allows for out-of-bounds memory access, potentially affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems.

What type of weakness is represented by CVE-2021-25372 and how does it allow unauthorized access?

CVE-2021-25372 is classified as an improper boundary check (CWE-787). This weakness means the driver does not correctly validate data boundaries, enabling an attacker with appropriate privileges to access or modify memory outside of its intended allocation.

How could an attacker exploit the improper boundary check in the DSP driver on Samsung devices?

An attacker with local device access could trigger an out-of-bounds memory access by exploiting the improper boundary check in the DSP driver. This could lead to unauthorized code execution, data compromise, and system disruption.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-25372 to organizations, considering it was listed in the Halo Surface Signal?

While the provided context for Halo Surface Signal indicates the vulnerability is 'Very unlikely' to be exploited remotely, the general relevance of CVE-2021-25372 stems from its potential for data compromise and system disruption on affected Samsung mobile devices.

What practical steps should organizations take to respond to the Samsung Android DSP driver vulnerability?

Organizations should identify affected Samsung Android assets, implement vendor-provided fixes or mitigation strategies to reduce exposure, and then verify and monitor the remediation efforts to address the vulnerability.

References