CVE-2025-20994
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Samsung Internet browser allows local attackers to read and write arbitrary files on non-Samsung devices due to improper permission handling in SyncClientProvider. It affects users running Samsung Internet browser versions before 28.0.0.59 on non-Samsung Android devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung Internet browser
📦 What is this software?
Internet by Samsung
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of user data including sensitive files, credentials, and personal information stored on the device.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to browser data, saved passwords, cookies, and local files accessible to the browser.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if device has strong app sandboxing and users don't store sensitive files in accessible locations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to device. Likely exploited through malicious apps or physical access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 28.0.0.59 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://security.samsungmobile.com/serviceWeb.smsb?year=2025&month=06
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Google Play Store 2. Search for 'Samsung Internet' 3. Tap Update button 4. Restart browser after update completes
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Uninstall Samsung Internet
androidRemove vulnerable browser from device
Settings > Apps > Samsung Internet > Uninstall
Use alternative browser
androidSwitch to Chrome, Firefox, or other secure browser
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical access to devices
- Implement app whitelisting to prevent malicious apps from exploiting local vulnerabilities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Samsung Internet version in app settings. If version is below 28.0.0.59 and installed on non-Samsung device, it's vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > Apps > Samsung Internet > App info > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Samsung Internet version is 28.0.0.59 or higher in app settings.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns from Samsung Internet process
- Permission denial errors in system logs
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local file access only
SIEM Query:
process_name:"Samsung Internet" AND file_access:* AND version<28.0.0.59