CVE-2025-20998 in Galaxy Watch
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2025
Improper access control in SamsungAccount for Galaxy Watch prior to SMR Jul-2025 Release 1 allows local attackers to access phone number.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-20998 represents a critical access control flaw within SamsungAccount functionality on Galaxy Watch devices prior to the SMR Jul-2025 security release. This issue stems from inadequate authorization mechanisms that permit local attackers with physical access to the device to extract sensitive phone number information from the connected smartphone. The flaw exists in the inter-device communication protocols between the Galaxy Watch and its paired mobile device, specifically within the SamsungAccount service implementation that manages user authentication and account-related data synchronization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a failure in proper privilege enforcement and data isolation mechanisms. SamsungAccount service operates under assumptions that user credentials and account information should remain protected from unauthorized access, yet the flaw allows for unauthorized data extraction through local attack vectors. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate input validation and access control checks within the system architecture. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, making it a fundamental security weakness in the device's security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential identity theft, social engineering attacks, and unauthorized account access. Local attackers who gain physical access to a compromised Galaxy Watch can leverage this flaw to obtain phone number information that may be used for account recovery processes, targeted phishing attacks, or to facilitate further exploitation attempts. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed without network connectivity, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the use of local system privileges to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves applying the SMR Jul-2025 security update which includes patched access control mechanisms and enhanced authentication protocols. Organizations should also implement device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and monitor for unauthorized device access. Network administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring controls to detect unusual patterns in device connectivity and data transfer activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control design in mobile ecosystems and reinforces the need for comprehensive security testing of inter-device communication protocols. Security teams should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly identify and respond to potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific flaw.