CVE-2021-25367 in Notes
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2021
Path Traversal vulnerability in Samsung Notes prior to version 4.2.00.22 allows attackers to access local files without permission.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25367 represents a critical path traversal flaw within Samsung Notes application versions prior to 4.2.00.22. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of file paths and access controls, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to local system files. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that influences file system operations, enabling attackers to manipulate file access patterns beyond the intended scope of the application's functionality.
This path traversal vulnerability operates through the manipulation of file path references within the Samsung Notes application, allowing malicious actors to navigate the file system hierarchy and access sensitive data that should remain restricted. The flaw specifically affects the application's file handling mechanisms, where insufficient input validation permits attackers to craft malicious file paths that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability enables attackers to read, write, or execute files on the device's file system, potentially exposing personal documents, configuration files, and other sensitive information stored locally.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further exploitation within the device's environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access not only user documents but potentially system configuration files, application data, and other sensitive information that may contain credentials or other exploitable data. The vulnerability's presence in a notes application is particularly concerning given that such applications often handle sensitive personal and business information, making the potential for data exfiltration and privacy violations significant. The attack vector typically involves crafting specially formatted file paths that exploit the application's failure to properly validate input before performing file system operations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and follows patterns commonly associated with directory traversal attacks that have been documented across numerous applications and platforms. The vulnerability's classification as a path traversal issue indicates that it falls under the broader category of input validation failures that represent one of the most persistent and dangerous classes of application security flaws. The Samsung Notes vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign application features can become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1074.001 Data Staged where adversaries stage data that they plan to steal by accessing local files through insecure file handling practices. Organizations should treat this vulnerability as a critical security concern requiring immediate remediation through the application of the vendor-provided security patches.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Samsung Notes version 4.2.00.22 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to address the path traversal vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular application updates, monitoring for unauthorized file access patterns, and ensuring that mobile device management policies enforce secure application configurations. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected applications and implement input validation controls throughout their application portfolios to prevent similar path traversal vulnerabilities from occurring in other software components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in mobile applications where user interaction with file systems is involved.