CVE-2025-20972 in Flow
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2025
Improper verification of intent by broadcast receiver in Samsung Flow prior to version 4.9.17.6 allows local attackers to modify Samsung Flow configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20972 represents a critical security flaw in Samsung Flow, a cross-device connectivity feature that enables seamless interaction between Samsung smartphones and tablets. This issue affects versions prior to 4.9.17.6 and stems from insufficient verification of intent within the broadcast receiver component. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and authorization checks, which can be categorized as CWE-863, "Incorrect Authorization," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation."
Samsung Flow operates by establishing communication channels between devices through broadcast receivers that handle various system events and commands. The broadcast receiver in question fails to properly validate the source or intent of incoming broadcast messages, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject unauthorized commands. This flaw allows local attackers who have access to the device to manipulate the configuration settings of Samsung Flow without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability specifically targets the intent verification mechanism, which should ensure that only legitimate system components or authorized applications can modify critical flow configuration parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as it provides attackers with the ability to alter how devices communicate and synchronize with each other. Local attackers can potentially redirect data flows, modify connection parameters, or disable security features within Samsung Flow, thereby compromising the integrity of cross-device communications. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of device synchronization, or even provide a foothold for further attacks on the device ecosystem. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to users who rely on Samsung Flow for seamless device integration and data sharing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-20972 primarily focus on updating to Samsung Flow version 4.9.17.6 or later, which includes proper intent verification mechanisms. Users should also implement additional security measures such as enabling device encryption, maintaining up-to-date operating system versions, and avoiding installation of untrusted applications that might exploit similar broadcast receiver vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct security assessments of their Samsung device fleets and ensure all devices are updated to patched versions. The fix implemented by Samsung likely involves strengthening the broadcast receiver's intent verification logic, ensuring that only authorized components can trigger configuration changes within the Samsung Flow system. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and authorization checks in mobile operating system components, particularly those handling inter-device communication protocols.