CVE-2025-20959 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2025
Use of implicit intent for sensitive communication in Wi-Fi P2P service prior to SMR May-2025 Release 1 allows local attackers to access sensitive information.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20959 represents a critical security flaw in Wi-Fi peer-to-peer service implementations that affects devices prior to the SMR May-2025 Release 1. This issue stems from the improper handling of implicit intents within the wireless communication framework, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit sensitive information exchanges. The vulnerability specifically targets the service layer of Wi-Fi P2P functionality where implicit intent mechanisms are utilized for communication between devices, potentially exposing confidential data to unauthorized local access.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of intent handling within the Wi-Fi P2P service architecture. When devices establish peer-to-peer connections, they rely on implicit intents to manage communication flows and data exchanges. These implicit intents, which are designed to facilitate seamless service interactions without explicit user intervention, become a vector for information leakage when not properly secured. The flaw allows attackers to intercept and access sensitive communication channels that should remain protected, as the implicit intent mechanisms fail to adequately validate or authenticate the communication context. This weakness is particularly concerning in wireless environments where physical proximity requirements for P2P connections may not prevent determined local attackers from exploiting the vulnerability.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations and individuals relying on Wi-Fi P2P services for sensitive communications. Local attackers within the physical proximity of affected devices can potentially access confidential data transmitted through the peer-to-peer network, including personal information, business data, or other sensitive communications. The attack surface extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential man-in-the-middle scenarios where attackers can manipulate or intercept data flows between connected devices. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where Wi-Fi P2P services are frequently used for file sharing, device synchronization, or collaborative work scenarios where sensitive data is regularly exchanged between peer devices.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and CWE-345, "Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity." The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041, "Exfiltration Over Command and Control Channel," as the implicit intent mechanisms could be exploited to establish unauthorized data transmission pathways. Additionally, this vulnerability intersects with ATT&CK technique T1566, "Phishing," when considering that local attackers might use this weakness to gain access to sensitive information that could then be used for further social engineering attacks. The risk assessment should include consideration of the principle of least privilege violations, where implicit intent mechanisms fail to properly enforce access controls for sensitive communications.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include implementing explicit intent validation mechanisms within the Wi-Fi P2P service layer, ensuring that all communication channels are properly authenticated and authorized before data transmission occurs. Organizations should prioritize updating to SMR May-2025 Release 1 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced intent handling and security controls. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring for unusual communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unexpected data flows between peer devices. The mitigation strategy should also include regular security assessments of wireless communication frameworks to identify potential implicit intent vulnerabilities that could be exploited for information disclosure attacks.