CVE-2021-25399
📋 TL;DR
An improper configuration vulnerability in Samsung Smart Manager allows attackers to access files with system privileges. This affects Samsung mobile devices running Smart Manager versions prior to 11.0.05.0, potentially exposing sensitive system files to unauthorized access.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung Smart Manager
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attacker to read, modify, or delete any system file, potentially leading to persistent backdoor installation, data theft, or device bricking.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive system files containing device configuration, user data, or security credentials.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls and updated software preventing file access escalation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to the device, either through a malicious app or physical access. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Smart Manager 11.0.05.0 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://security.samsungmobile.com/serviceWeb.smsb?year=2021&month=5
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in device Settings > Software update > Download and install. 2. Ensure Smart Manager updates through Galaxy Store or Play Store. 3. Restart device after update installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Smart Manager
androidTemporarily disable Smart Manager to prevent exploitation while awaiting patch
Settings > Apps > Smart Manager > Disable
Restrict app installations
androidPrevent installation of untrusted apps that could exploit the vulnerability
Settings > Security > Install unknown apps > Disable for all apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement strict app installation policies and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Smart Manager version in Settings > Apps > Smart Manager > App info. If version is below 11.0.05.0, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell dumpsys package com.samsung.android.sm | grep versionNameVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Smart Manager version is 11.0.05.0 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized file access attempts in system logs
- Smart Manager permission escalation events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Smart Manager process
SIEM Query:
process_name:"Smart Manager" AND event_type:"permission_escalation" OR file_access:"/system/"