CVE-2025-20999 in Galaxy Tablet
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2025
Improper authorization in accessing saved Wi-Fi password for Galaxy Tablet prior to SMR Jul-2025 Release 1 allows secondary users to access owner's saved Wi-Fi password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical authorization flaw in Samsung Galaxy Tablet devices running firmware versions prior to the July 2025 Security Maintenance Release. The issue stems from insufficient access controls within the Wi-Fi credential management system, allowing secondary users to bypass proper authentication mechanisms and extract saved network passwords from the device's secure storage. The vulnerability specifically affects devices that have not received the July 2025 security patch, creating a persistent risk for users who share their devices with others. From a technical perspective, this represents a failure in the principle of least privilege where unauthorized users can access sensitive network credentials that should only be available to the primary device owner. The flaw manifests through improper validation of user identity and access permissions when attempting to retrieve stored Wi-Fi passwords, creating an exploitable path for unauthorized credential access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain persistent network access to the victim's wireless networks. This creates a significant risk for corporate environments where employees may share devices with family members or colleagues, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive corporate networks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the authorization principle where access controls fail to properly validate user credentials. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically focusing on credential access through unauthorized access to stored credentials, and could potentially lead to further lateral movement within network environments. The risk is particularly elevated in shared device scenarios where multiple users have physical access to the same tablet, making this a significant concern for both personal and enterprise security.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate deployment of the July 2025 Security Maintenance Release, which addresses the authorization flaw through proper access control validation mechanisms. Device administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as device encryption, secure boot processes, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Users should be advised to avoid sharing devices with untrusted individuals and to regularly review and remove unnecessary saved Wi-Fi credentials from shared devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of timely security patch management and proper access control implementation in mobile device security. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce additional security policies and monitor for unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar authorization flaws in other device components and ensure comprehensive protection against credential theft attacks. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in mobile security where insufficient access controls can create persistent risks for device users and network administrators.