CVE-2025-21003 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2025
Insecure storage of sensitive information in Emergency SOS prior to SMR Jul-2025 Release 1 allows local attackers to access sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-21003 represents a critical security flaw in the Emergency SOS functionality of a mobile operating system prior to the SMR Jul-2025 Release 1. This issue stems from inadequate protection mechanisms for sensitive data storage within the emergency communication system, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically affects the secure handling of emergency contact information, location data, and other personally identifiable information that users expect to remain protected during critical situations. The insecure storage practices expose this sensitive data to unauthorized access through local attack vectors that do not require network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques.
The technical implementation flaw resides in how the Emergency SOS component manages data persistence and encryption mechanisms for sensitive information. The system fails to properly implement secure key storage, adequate encryption algorithms, or proper access controls for emergency data elements. This weakness creates a persistent exposure where local attackers can access stored emergency information through direct file system access, memory inspection, or exploitation of privilege escalation vulnerabilities that may exist within the emergency system components. The vulnerability demonstrates poor adherence to secure coding practices and inadequate threat modeling for emergency system functionality that users rely upon during critical situations. This flaw aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-311 (Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data) categories, indicating fundamental failures in data protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential compromise of user safety and privacy during emergency situations. Local attackers with device access can obtain emergency contact details, location history, and other sensitive information that could be exploited for social engineering attacks, stalking, or identity theft. The vulnerability particularly affects users who rely heavily on emergency communication systems, as the stolen information could be used to manipulate or exploit their emergency response protocols. Attackers could potentially use this information to impersonate users during emergency calls, gain unauthorized access to emergency services, or conduct targeted harassment campaigns. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that emergency systems are designed to be highly available and accessible, making the insecure storage particularly dangerous as it undermines the trust users place in these critical functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-21003 require immediate implementation of comprehensive data protection measures including proper encryption of all emergency information, secure key management practices, and robust access controls for emergency system components. Organizations should implement mandatory security updates to address the vulnerability in affected systems, particularly focusing on the SMR Jul-2025 Release 1 and subsequent versions. The solution involves deploying proper cryptographic protections for emergency data, implementing secure storage mechanisms that comply with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for key management and encryption practices. System administrators should also establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts to emergency data storage locations and implement regular security assessments of emergency communication systems. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks associated with insecure emergency data storage and encouraged to review their emergency contact configurations regularly. This vulnerability highlights the importance of applying security controls to all system components, including emergency functionality, as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's approach to securing system components and maintaining data confidentiality during critical operations.