Overview
CVE-2025-21080 is a medium severity vulnerability affecting Samsung devices that utilize the Dynamic Lockscreen feature. This vulnerability stems from an improper export of Android application components within the Dynamic Lockscreen application. Specifically, it allows a local attacker to potentially gain access to files with the Dynamic Lockscreen application’s privileges, potentially exposing sensitive user data or system information.
Technical Details
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient access control applied to exported components within the Dynamic Lockscreen application. The improper export allows other applications (including malicious ones installed locally by the user, or with escalated privileges) to interact with these components in unintended ways. This interaction can potentially lead to file access that is normally restricted to the Dynamic Lockscreen application itself.
An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability by crafting a malicious application that interacts with the improperly exported Dynamic Lockscreen components. This application could then attempt to access files within the Dynamic Lockscreen application’s data directory or other accessible locations, potentially gaining access to sensitive data. While a local attacker is required, this does not mitigate the risk as an adversary may already have gained a foothold on the device through other means, or convince a user to install a malicious application.
CVSS Analysis
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score for CVE-2025-21080 is 6.2 (Medium).
- Attack Vector: Local (L)
- Attack Complexity: Low (L)
- Privileges Required: None (N)
- User Interaction: Required (R)
- Scope: Changed (C)
- Confidentiality Impact: High (H)
- Integrity Impact: None (N)
- Availability Impact: None (N)
This score reflects the fact that the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction (installation of a malicious application, for example), but can lead to a high impact on confidentiality by allowing unauthorized file access.
Possible Impact
Exploitation of CVE-2025-21080 could have the following consequences:
- Unauthorized File Access: An attacker could gain access to files and data normally protected by the Dynamic Lockscreen application’s permissions.
- Data Exposure: Sensitive user information stored by the Dynamic Lockscreen could be exposed to the attacker. This might include user preferences, cached data, or other application-specific information.
- Privilege Escalation (Potential): While the CVSS score doesn’t explicitly state it, access to specific files *could*, under specific circumstances, facilitate further exploitation, although this is less likely.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The vulnerability is addressed in the Security Maintenance Release (SMR) for December 2025, Release 1. Users are strongly advised to update their Samsung devices to this SMR or later to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The update will contain fixes to correctly implement access control on the relevant Dynamic Lockscreen components. To update your device:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Tap on Software update.
- Tap on Download and install.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
It’s crucial to keep your device updated with the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities. Regularly check for updates and install them as soon as they become available.
