External risk intelligence

Samsung Mobile Devices: Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2025-21042

Samsung Android devices have an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in a library that handles image processing. This flaw can allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, leading to potential system compromise and data exfiltration. This presents a significant business risk.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Samsung Android

13.014.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2025-21042

This vulnerability resides within a specialized image codec library (libimagecodec.quram.so) on Samsung mobile devices. It is not an internet-facing service, API, or management interface. While it may be reachable via malicious files or content processed by the device, it lacks the characteristics of an exposed network-accessible service or edge deployment.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Samsung mobile devices are vulnerable due to an out-of-bounds write flaw in the libimagecodec.quram.so library. This weakness allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The potential impact includes the compromise of devices and the exfiltration of sensitive data.

  • Vulnerable image processing library.
  • Allows arbitrary code execution.
  • Device compromise and data exfiltration.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An out-of-bounds write in a Samsung image codec library allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction to be exploited. The attack results in the compromise of the affected system, potentially leading to the execution of attacker-controlled code.

  • Unauthenticated network access needed.
  • Attacker sends malicious input.
  • Arbitrary code execution occurs.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could permit attackers with a high skill level to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The exploit requires no specific access or conditions beyond the ability to interact with the affected component through malicious content. Given the potential for complete system compromise, this vulnerability presents a significant business risk and should be treated with urgency.

  • Attackers need high skill.
  • No access or conditions required.
  • High business risk, urgent action needed.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A critical vulnerability has been identified that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Samsung Android devices. This issue stems from an out-of-bounds write within the libimagecodec.quram.so component. The potential for attackers to gain code execution represents a significant business risk if not addressed promptly.

  • Identify all affected Samsung devices.
  • Reduce exposure by isolating devices.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the libimagecodec.quram.so component in Samsung Android devices?

The libimagecodec.quram.so is a library within Samsung Android devices responsible for image processing. It handles the decoding and encoding of various image formats. This component is part of the operating system's media framework.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2025-21042 describe?

CVE-2025-21042 describes an 'Out-of-bounds write' vulnerability. This means that a program attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer, which can overwrite adjacent memory and potentially lead to code execution.

What are the attacker's preconditions to exploit CVE-2025-21042?

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without authentication or user interaction. The attacker needs to send specially crafted input to the affected image codec library to trigger the vulnerability.

Who should be concerned about this Samsung vulnerability based on its access?

This vulnerability is classified as external, meaning it could be exploited over a network. While it's in a specialized library and not a direct internet-facing service, any Samsung Android device processing untrusted image data could be at risk, making it relevant for a broad range of users.

What is the first step for running this technology to address the threat?

The first step is to identify all Samsung Android devices running potentially affected versions. Following this, it's recommended to isolate these devices if possible and then apply the vendor-provided security updates as soon as they become available.

References