CVE-2021-25392 in Dex
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
Improper protection of backup path configuration in Samsung Dex prior to SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 allows local attackers to get sensitive information via changing the path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25392 resides within Samsung Dex, a desktop-like interface that allows users to connect their Samsung smartphones to external displays and keyboards for enhanced productivity. This issue affects Samsung Dex versions prior to the SMR MAY-2021 Release 1, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of backup path configurations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate protection mechanisms that govern how backup paths are managed within the system, creating exploitable conditions for local attackers who possess physical access to the device.
The technical flaw manifests as a weakness in the path configuration handling process where the system fails to properly validate or restrict modifications to backup paths. Attackers can manipulate these configurations to access sensitive information that should remain protected, exploiting a lack of proper input validation and access controls. This misconfiguration allows unauthorized data exposure through seemingly benign path modification operations that bypass intended security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the backup path management functionality, where legitimate backup operations are configured to store data in specific locations, but the system fails to properly enforce restrictions on these paths.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users who rely on Samsung Dex for productivity tasks, particularly in enterprise environments where sensitive data may be stored in backup configurations. Local attackers with physical access to devices can exploit this weakness to extract confidential information, potentially including personal data, business documents, or other sensitive materials stored in the backup paths. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it may enable further exploitation pathways, allowing attackers to escalate privileges or access additional system resources through the compromised backup configuration mechanisms. This vulnerability directly violates security principles of least privilege and proper access control enforcement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-25392 should prioritize immediate deployment of the SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 update from Samsung, which addresses the improper path protection mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring of backup path configurations and establish strict access controls for system-level operations. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of backup configurations to identify any unauthorized modifications and implement automated detection mechanisms for suspicious path changes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through local system manipulation. Regular security assessments and patch management protocols should be reinforced to prevent similar configuration flaws in other system components.