CVE-2025-20918
📋 TL;DR
An out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Samsung Notes allows attackers to read memory beyond allocated boundaries when processing extra data in base content. This affects Samsung Notes users on Android devices with versions prior to 4.4.26.71. The vulnerability could potentially leak sensitive information from device memory.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung Notes
📦 What is this software?
Notes by Samsung
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Sensitive data leakage including authentication tokens, passwords, or other application data could be extracted from memory, potentially leading to account compromise or further system exploitation.
Likely Case
Limited information disclosure of adjacent memory contents, potentially exposing fragments of other application data or system information without direct code execution.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched version is installed or if the vulnerable feature is not used with malicious content.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to open a specially crafted note file. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of the advisory date.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.4.26.71
Vendor Advisory: https://security.samsungmobile.com/serviceWeb.smsb?year=2025&month=03
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open Google Play Store on Android device. 2. Search for 'Samsung Notes'. 3. If update is available, tap 'Update'. 4. Alternatively, enable auto-updates in Play Store settings.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable automatic note opening
androidAvoid opening notes from untrusted sources and disable automatic opening of note files
Use alternative note application
androidTemporarily use a different note-taking application until Samsung Notes is updated
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict note file opening to trusted sources only
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unpatched Samsung Notes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Samsung Notes version in Android Settings > Apps > Samsung Notes > App infoCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via Android UI as describedVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Samsung Notes version is 4.4.26.71 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes of Samsung Notes
- Unusual memory access patterns in system logs
Network Indicators:
- No direct network indicators - local file exploitation
SIEM Query:
Not applicable - local application vulnerability without network exploitation