External risk intelligence

Samsung Android Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2025-21043

A vulnerability in Samsung Android devices allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, posing a significant business risk including data compromise and service disruption.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Samsung Android

13.014.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2025-21043

The vulnerability exists in a client-side image codec library on Samsung mobile devices. It is not a network-exposed service, API, or infrastructure component. While mobile devices connect to the internet, this specific library is not a public-facing network service reachable for remote exploitation.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability has been identified in a component within Samsung Android devices that handles image decoding. This flaw could permit attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized control over affected devices and systems. The impact could extend to data compromise and disruption of services.

  • Vulnerable image decoding component.
  • Improper handling of data in memory.
  • Risk of code execution and data compromise.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An out-of-bounds write vulnerability in a Samsung Android component allows remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. This occurs within the image codec library. The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker without any special privileges and does not require user interaction, enabling them to gain control over affected systems and access sensitive data. This presents a significant business risk to organizations utilizing these devices.

  • Exposure condition: Network-accessible component.
  • Attacker starting point: No authentication required.
  • Trigger and result: Malformed data leads to code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Samsung Android devices. The ease of exploitation and the potential for severe compromise indicate a high level of business risk. Organizations should treat this as a high-priority issue requiring immediate attention.

  • Low attacker skill level required.
  • No access or conditions needed.
  • High business risk, urgent action needed.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A critical vulnerability has been identified in Samsung mobile devices related to an out-of-bounds write in a specific library. This vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, posing a significant business risk to organizations utilizing these devices. The impact could include unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of business operations, and potential for further compromise of the organization's network.

  • Identify all affected Samsung mobile devices.
  • Reduce exposure by disabling related services if possible.
  • Apply vendor security updates and validate their implementation.
  • Monitor for related security incidents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the libimagecodec.quram.so component in Samsung Android and its function?

The libimagecodec.quram.so is a library within Samsung's Android operating system responsible for decoding images. It processes various image file formats to display pictures and graphics on the device.

How does CVE-2025-21043 enable remote code execution via an out-of-bounds write?

CVE-2025-21043 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787). Attackers can exploit this by writing data beyond intended memory buffers to overwrite critical program memory, leading to the execution of their own malicious code.

What is the trigger path for CVE-2025-21043 on Samsung Android devices?

The vulnerability is triggered by malformed data processed by the libimagecodec.quram.so library, leading to an out-of-bounds write that attackers can leverage for code execution.

What is the relevance of CVE-2025-21043 for Samsung mobile devices and potential impact?

This vulnerability is highly relevant as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Samsung Android devices. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of business operations.

What practical steps should be taken to respond to CVE-2025-21043 on Samsung devices?

Organizations should identify all affected Samsung mobile devices, apply vendor security updates promptly, and monitor for related security incidents. If possible, reduce exposure by disabling related services until patches are applied.

References