CVE-2025-21042 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2025
Out-of-bounds write in libimagecodec.quram.so prior to SMR Apr-2025 Release 1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-21042 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the libimagecodec.quram.so library component prior to the SMR Apr-2025 Release 1. This issue manifests in a manner that enables remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during image processing operations, specifically when handling malformed or specially crafted image data streams. The affected library serves as a core component in image decoding and encoding operations across various platforms and applications that rely on this codec for multimedia processing capabilities.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends maliciously formatted image data to a target system that utilizes the vulnerable libimagecodec.quram.so library. The out-of-bounds write condition arises during the parsing of image metadata or pixel data structures where the application fails to validate array indices or buffer boundaries before writing data. This flaw falls under CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the library level, meaning any application that depends on this codec for image processing functionality becomes a potential target for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-21042 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access points within affected systems. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the target device, making it particularly attractive to threat actors conducting large-scale campaigns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the arbitrary code execution capability can be used to deploy malicious payloads and gain elevated system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-21042 primarily focus on immediate remediation through patching the affected library to the SMR Apr-2025 Release 1 or later versions that contain the necessary bounds checking fixes. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems and applications that depend on the vulnerable libimagecodec.quram.so library, as the impact may extend across multiple software products. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defensive layers to limit the potential attack surface. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual image processing activities or attempts to send malformed data to systems that handle multimedia content. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust software supply chain security practices to prevent exploitation of such fundamental memory safety issues.