CVE-2025-21036
📋 TL;DR
A local privilege escalation vulnerability in Samsung Notes allows attackers with physical device access to access exported note files they shouldn't have permission to view. This affects Samsung Notes users on Android devices with versions prior to 4.4.30.63. User interaction is required to trigger the exploit.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung Notes
📦 What is this software?
Notes by Samsung
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Sensitive personal or business information from exported notes could be accessed by unauthorized local users, potentially leading to data theft or privacy violations.
Likely Case
Local attackers with device access could read exported notes containing personal information, passwords, or other sensitive data stored in note files.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and updated software, exported notes remain protected with appropriate file permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to device and user interaction to trigger. No known public exploits available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.4.30.63 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://security.samsungmobile.com/serviceWeb.smsb?year=2025&month=09
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open Google Play Store on your Samsung device. 2. Search for 'Samsung Notes'. 3. If update is available, tap 'Update'. 4. Alternatively, open Galaxy Store and update from there.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable note exporting
allPrevent creation of exported note files that could be vulnerable
Secure file permissions
allManually set restrictive permissions on exported note files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Avoid exporting sensitive notes to device storage
- Use device encryption and strong lock screen security
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Samsung Notes version in app settings or Google Play StoreCheck Version:
Open Samsung Notes → Settings → About → Check version numberVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Samsung Notes version is 4.4.30.63 or higher📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to note files
- File permission modification events
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Look for file access events to Samsung Notes exported files from unauthorized users