CVE-2025-20895 in Galaxy Store
Summary
by MITRE • 02/04/2025
Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path in Galaxy Store prior to version 4.5.87.6 allows physical attackers to install arbitrary applications to bypass restrictions of Setupwizard.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in Samsung Galaxy Store applications prior to version 4.5.87.6, where attackers can exploit alternate system paths to circumvent security controls during device setup. The weakness specifically targets the setup wizard restrictions that are designed to prevent unauthorized application installations during the initial device provisioning process. This authentication bypass occurs through manipulation of the system's alternate execution paths, allowing malicious actors to gain elevated privileges without proper authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-285 category of improper authentication, specifically addressing scenarios where alternate paths bypass the intended security controls. From an operational security perspective, this flaw enables physical attackers to install arbitrary applications directly through the setup wizard process, effectively undermining the device's security posture during the most vulnerable initial phase of device usage. The attack vector requires physical access to the device, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploiting weaknesses in the setup process. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple application installation, as it allows attackers to potentially install malicious applications that can persist beyond the initial setup phase, creating a foothold for further compromise. This weakness specifically targets the Android system's security model during the initial provisioning phase, where the setup wizard typically enforces strict controls over application installations to prevent unauthorized modifications. The flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where the system allows unrestricted access through alternate pathways that should remain restricted. Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at a system level during the device's most critical configuration phase, when users expect maximum security controls to be in place. The compromised authentication mechanism allows attackers to bypass not just application installation restrictions, but potentially other security controls that are normally enforced during the initial device setup. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android security model's integrity by enabling unauthorized modifications to the system configuration before proper security controls can be established. The flaw demonstrates a critical oversight in the Android framework's approach to securing the initial provisioning process, where alternate system paths are not properly validated against authentication requirements. The security implications extend to potential data exfiltration, persistent backdoors, and further exploitation of the device's resources through the installed applications. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as a high-risk exposure during device provisioning and initial security setup, particularly in environments where physical security controls are insufficient. The vulnerability's remediation requires updating to Galaxy Store version 4.5.87.6 or later, which implements proper authentication checks and validates all system paths during the setup wizard process. This flaw highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing during system initialization phases and demonstrates how alternate execution paths can be exploited to bypass intended security controls. The vulnerability also underscores the need for layered security approaches that do not rely solely on authentication mechanisms that can be bypassed through alternate system pathways. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability may impact organizations that must adhere to security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 or ISO 27001, where proper authentication and access controls are mandatory requirements. The flaw's classification as an authentication bypass through alternate paths aligns with common attack patterns identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those involving setup and configuration phase compromises. Security teams should implement monitoring for unauthorized application installations during device provisioning and consider additional physical security controls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The vulnerability's existence indicates a gap in the security model's design where system paths that should remain restricted are not properly protected, creating opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access during the device's most vulnerable phase.