CVE-2025-20885 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 02/04/2025
Out-of-bounds write in softsim TA prior to SMR Jan-2025 Release 1 allows local privileged attackers to cause memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20885 represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition affecting the softsim trusted application within secure mobile environments. This flaw exists in the software implementation prior to the SMR January 2025 release, indicating that the vulnerability has been present for an extended period and potentially exploited in the wild. The affected component resides within the trusted execution environment where sensitive cryptographic operations and secure communication protocols are handled, making this a particularly concerning security issue for mobile device security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the softsim TA implementation where memory operations exceed allocated buffer boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write conditions, which can lead to arbitrary code execution, system instability, or privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically impacts local privileged attackers who already possess elevated system access, meaning the attack vector requires pre-existing compromise or legitimate administrative access to the device. The memory corruption resulting from this out-of-bounds write can potentially overwrite critical data structures, function pointers, or executable code within the trusted application's memory space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for privilege escalation within the secure execution environment. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive cryptographic keys, personal data, or secure communication channels that the softsim TA is designed to protect. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the softsim TA typically handles SIM card authentication, secure messaging, and other critical security functions that form the foundation of mobile network security. The vulnerability's presence in pre-SMR January 2025 releases suggests that numerous devices may be affected, potentially numbering in the millions of affected mobile devices globally.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate deployment of the SMR January 2025 release which contains the necessary patches to address the out-of-bounds write condition. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual memory access patterns or system instability that could indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a critical target for defensive security measures. Additionally, device manufacturers should consider implementing additional runtime protections such as memory protection boundaries and stack canaries to prevent exploitation even if the underlying vulnerability remains unpatched. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement network-based detection measures to monitor for suspicious activities related to the softsim TA functionality.