CVE-2025-20953 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2025
Improper access control in SmartManagerCN prior to SMR May-2025 Release 1 allows local attackers to launch activities within SmartManagerCN.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20953 represents a critical improper access control flaw within SmartManagerCN software prior to the SMR May-2025 Release 1. This issue affects the centralized network management system that controls various smart devices and network components. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authorization mechanisms that fail to properly validate user privileges before allowing execution of sensitive operations. Attackers with local system access can exploit this weakness to escalate their privileges and execute unauthorized activities within the SmartManagerCN environment.
This technical flaw manifests as a failure in the software's access control matrix implementation where the system does not adequately verify whether local users possess the necessary permissions to perform specific operations. The vulnerability operates at the application level and leverages the principle of least privilege violation, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries. The improper access control mechanism enables malicious local users to manipulate system resources, potentially gaining access to sensitive configuration data, network credentials, or control functions that should be restricted to authorized administrators only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent backdoor within the SmartManagerCN environment. Local attackers can leverage this weakness to launch malicious activities such as modifying network configurations, accessing restricted system functions, or potentially compromising the integrity of the entire network management infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on SmartManagerCN for centralized network administration, potentially exposing critical network components to unauthorized manipulation and control.
Security professionals should address this vulnerability through immediate patch management procedures and comprehensive access control reviews. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the SMR May-2025 Release 1 patch that corrects the access control implementation. Organizations should also conduct thorough privilege audits to ensure that only authorized personnel maintain local access to SmartManagerCN systems. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts and provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues in software systems, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through application vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should include both immediate patch deployment and long-term security architecture improvements to prevent similar access control failures in other system components.