CVE-2021-25414
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-25414 is a vulnerability in Samsung Contacts that allows local attackers to copy or overwrite arbitrary files due to improper intent sanitization. This enables attackers to manipulate files with Samsung Contacts application privileges. Affected users are those with Samsung devices running vulnerable versions of the Contacts app prior to the June 2021 security update.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung Contacts
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could overwrite critical system files, potentially leading to device compromise, data loss, or privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Local attackers could copy sensitive files or overwrite user data, leading to information disclosure or data corruption.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated; with proper app sandboxing, impact is limited to Contacts app data.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access; proof-of-concept details are available in public security blogs.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: SMR JUN-2021 Release 1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://security.samsungmobile.com/securityUpdate.smsb?year=2021&month=6
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > Software update on Samsung device. 2. Download and install the June 2021 security update. 3. Restart device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Samsung Contacts
androidTemporarily disable the vulnerable Contacts app to prevent exploitation
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.contacts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical access to devices and monitor for suspicious local activity
- Use mobile device management (MDM) to control app installations and permissions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Contacts app version in Settings > Apps > Samsung Contacts > App infoCheck Version:
adb shell dumpsys package com.samsung.android.app.contacts | grep versionNameVerify Fix Applied:
Verify device has June 2021 security patch installed in Settings > About phone > Software information📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file operations by Contacts app
- Intent handling errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for typical enterprise monitoring