CVE-2025-20929 in Notes
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2025
Out-of-bounds write in parsing jpeg image in Samsung Notes prior to version 4.4.26.71 allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-20929 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw discovered in Samsung Notes application versions prior to 4.4.26.71. This vulnerability specifically manifests during the parsing of jpeg image files, creating a pathway for local attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the image parsing routine, allowing maliciously crafted jpeg files to trigger memory corruption that can be exploited to gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate jpeg file boundaries when processing image data within Samsung Notes. When a user opens or processes a specially crafted jpeg file, the application's image parser attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer, resulting in an out-of-bounds write condition. This condition can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write classification, which is categorized as a memory safety issue that directly enables code execution attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Samsung Notes users who may inadvertently open maliciously crafted jpeg files. The local attack vector means that exploitation requires physical access to the device or the ability to place malicious files in locations where the application will process them automatically. Attackers could potentially deliver malicious jpeg files through various means including email attachments, file sharing platforms, or compromised websites. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or further escalation within the device's security boundaries.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily limited to Samsung Notes users who handle jpeg files, but the potential for exploitation remains high due to the nature of image processing applications. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability can be triggered through normal application usage patterns when processing image content, making it particularly dangerous as users may not be aware they are encountering malicious content. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter for Windows Command Shell, as the arbitrary code execution could enable attackers to establish persistent access through command-line operations. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment for Samsung Notes versions prior to 4.4.26.71 and implement additional security measures such as application whitelisting, image file scanning, and user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted image files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in multimedia processing applications and highlights the need for comprehensive memory safety testing in mobile applications that handle user-provided content.