CVE-2025-21045 in Galaxy Watch
Summary
by MITRE • 10/10/2025
Insecure storage of sensitive information in Galaxy Watch prior to SMR Oct-2025 Release 1 allows local attackers to access sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-21045 represents a critical security flaw in Samsung Galaxy Watch devices prior to the SMR October 2025 security release. This issue stems from insecure storage practices that expose sensitive data to local attackers who have physical access to the device. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper data handling and storage security mechanisms, which aligns with CWE-312 (CWE Top 25) and CWE-522 (CWE Top 25) classifications. The affected devices demonstrate inadequate protection of sensitive information within their local storage systems, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through local access methods where attackers can directly interact with the device's storage subsystem. The insecure storage implementation fails to properly encrypt or protect sensitive data elements that should remain confidential, including but not limited to user credentials, personal information, health data, and application-specific tokens. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract information that should be protected through proper cryptographic mechanisms and access controls. The vulnerability demonstrates poor adherence to security best practices regarding data protection at rest, which is a fundamental requirement in mobile device security architectures.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-21045 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can lead to comprehensive privacy breaches and potential identity theft. Health information stored on the device becomes particularly vulnerable, as this data often contains sensitive personal details that could be exploited for financial fraud or other malicious purposes. The local attack vector means that physical possession of the device is sufficient to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for users who may lose their devices or have them stolen. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the device's security posture and can compromise user trust in the platform's ability to protect sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of the SMR October 2025 security release which includes proper encryption mechanisms and secure storage implementations. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest firmware version available through official Samsung channels. Organizations should conduct security assessments of their deployed Galaxy Watch devices to identify any remaining vulnerable instances and implement additional monitoring measures. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper cryptographic protection for sensitive data elements and establishing secure storage practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST SP 800-57 cryptographic standards. Security teams should also consider implementing device management policies that enforce automatic updates and monitor for unauthorized access attempts.