CVE-2021-25428
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Samsung's PackageManager allows untrusted applications to obtain dangerous permissions without user confirmation under limited circumstances. It affects Samsung mobile devices running Android with specific software versions prior to the July 2021 security update.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung mobile devices
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious apps could gain elevated permissions (like camera, microphone, location access) without user knowledge, enabling surveillance, data theft, or device takeover.
Likely Case
Malware could bypass permission prompts to access sensitive device features and user data.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, exploitation would be limited to specially crafted malicious apps.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires developing or modifying an app to trigger the vulnerability. No public exploit code is known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: SMR July-2021 Release 1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://security.samsungmobile.com/securityUpdate.smsb?year=2021&month=7
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in device Settings > Software update. 2. Install July 2021 security update or later. 3. Restart device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store with Play Protect enabled.
Review app permissions
allRegularly audit and revoke unnecessary app permissions in device settings.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) to control app installations
- Use application allowlisting to only permit trusted applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Software information. If patch level is earlier than July 1, 2021, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check via device settings UIVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Android security patch level shows 'July 1, 2021' or later in device settings.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual permission grants to recently installed apps
- PackageManager permission bypass attempts
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious app downloads from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
Not applicable - primarily device-level detection