CVE-2025-21037
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Samsung Notes allows physical attackers to access data across multiple user profiles on the same device when they have physical access. It requires user interaction to trigger, affecting Samsung device users with multiple profiles who haven't updated to the patched version.
💻 Affected Systems
- Samsung Notes
📦 What is this software?
Notes by Samsung
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Physical attacker gains unauthorized access to sensitive notes and data from other user profiles on the same device, potentially exposing personal information, credentials, or confidential data.
Likely Case
Someone with physical device access (family member, colleague, or thief) accesses notes from other user profiles they shouldn't have permission to view.
If Mitigated
With proper physical security controls and updated software, the risk is minimal as the attacker needs physical access and user interaction.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires physical access to device and specific user interaction to trigger the vulnerability. Not remotely exploitable.
🛠️ 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 Galaxy Store or Google Play Store on your Samsung device. 2. Search for 'Samsung Notes'. 3. If update is available, tap 'Update'. 4. Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps > Samsung Notes > App details in store > Update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable multiple user profiles
androidRemove or disable additional user profiles on the device to eliminate the cross-profile access vector.
Settings > Users and accounts > Users > Remove unwanted profiles
Use device encryption with strong authentication
androidEnable full device encryption and require strong authentication (PIN/password/biometric) to access the device.
Settings > Security > Encrypt device
Settings > Lock screen > Screen lock type
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict physical security controls for devices (locked cabinets, never leave unattended)
- Use separate physical devices for different users instead of multiple profiles on shared devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Samsung Notes version: Open Samsung Notes > Settings > About Samsung Notes. If version is below 4.4.30.63, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
No command line option. Check via app: Samsung Notes > Settings > About Samsung NotesVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Samsung Notes version is 4.4.30.63 or higher in Settings > About Samsung Notes.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual access patterns between user profiles
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful access
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local physical access vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for network SIEM. Device logs would need to be monitored for profile switching anomalies.