IRONSMITHINTEL
LOWCVSS3.3
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2021-25489|Auth: low — authenticated user|Reboot: required|Manual only

Samsung Mobile Devices Improper Input Validation Vulnerability (CVE-2021-25489)

Samsung mobile devices contain an improper input validation vulnerability within the modem interface driver that results in a format string bug leading to kernel panic.

Published Oct 6, 2021 · Updated May 17, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A local attacker, with a low-privilege account, can achieve partial data exposure, partial service disruption. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2023-07-20 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Improper Input Validation (CWE-20) vulnerability in Samsung Mobile Devices. Assuming radio permission is gained, missing input validation in modem interface driver prior to SMR Oct-2021 Release 1 results in format string bug leading to kernel panic. Exploitation requires local access, low attack complexity, a low-privilege authenticated account, and no user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running android: 8.1, 9.0, 10.0, 11.0
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2023-06-29 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2023-07-20.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

1
Identify affected hosts: query inventory for general installs in scope.
2
Apply the vendor security update referenced in CVE-2021-25489's advisory. No specific KB/version is encoded yet — consult the linked MSRC/vendor URL.
3
Verify the fix per the vendor's published verification steps.
4
Document the remediation in your change ticket and re-scan with your vulnerability scanner to confirm closure.
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