CVE-2025-22377 Overview
A heap-based out-of-bounds write vulnerability has been discovered in Samsung Mobile Processor, Wearable Processor, and Modem Exynos chipsets. The vulnerability exists in the GPRS protocol implementation due to a mismatch between the actual length of the payload and the length declared within the payload, allowing attackers to write data beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries.
Critical Impact
This vulnerability affects a wide range of Samsung Exynos processors and modems used in mobile devices, wearables, and cellular modems. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to corrupt heap memory, potentially leading to information disclosure or data manipulation via network-based attacks.
Affected Products
- Samsung Exynos Mobile Processors (980, 990, 850, 1080, 2100, 1280, 2200, 1330, 1380, 1480, 2400)
- Samsung Exynos Wearable Processors (9110, W920, W930, W1000)
- Samsung Exynos Modems (5123, 5300, 5400)
Discovery Timeline
- May 27, 2025 - CVE-2025-22377 published to NVD
- June 25, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-22377
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) and resides in the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) protocol implementation within Samsung Exynos firmware. The core issue stems from improper validation of payload length fields in GPRS protocol messages.
When the GPRS protocol stack processes incoming packets, it reads a length field from the payload header to determine how much data to copy into a heap-allocated buffer. However, the implementation fails to verify that the declared length matches the actual payload size. This discrepancy allows an attacker to specify a larger length than the actual data, causing the firmware to write beyond the allocated heap buffer.
The attack requires network access but does not require user interaction or privileges, making it exploitable by any entity capable of sending crafted GPRS protocol messages to the affected device.
Root Cause
The root cause is an improper input validation flaw in the GPRS protocol message parser. The firmware trusts the length field embedded within the GPRS payload without performing adequate bounds checking against the actual received data length. This allows crafted packets with mismatched length declarations to trigger heap buffer overflows during the memory copy operation.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network by sending specially crafted GPRS protocol messages to a device with an affected Exynos processor or modem. An attacker within cellular network range or with the ability to inject malicious packets into the cellular data stream could leverage this vulnerability.
The exploitation involves sending a GPRS packet where the declared length in the header exceeds the actual payload size, causing the firmware to perform an out-of-bounds write operation on the heap. This could lead to memory corruption affecting adjacent heap structures, potentially enabling information disclosure or manipulation of device state.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22377
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual device crashes or reboots related to cellular modem operations
- Abnormal GPRS protocol activity or malformed packet reception
- Memory corruption indicators in device logs related to baseband processor operations
- Unexpected behavior in cellular connectivity or data handling
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for devices exhibiting repeated modem-related crashes or restarts
- Implement network-level inspection for malformed GPRS protocol messages where length fields exceed actual payload sizes
- Review baseband firmware logs for memory access violations or heap corruption events
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring mobile device health and stability
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed logging for cellular modem operations on affected devices where possible
- Monitor device fleet health for patterns indicating potential exploitation attempts
- Implement alerting for devices showing signs of memory corruption or unexpected restarts
- Track firmware versions across device fleet to identify unpatched systems
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22377
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply Samsung firmware updates as soon as they become available for affected Exynos processors and modems
- Prioritize patching devices with cellular connectivity in high-risk environments
- Review device inventory to identify all systems using affected Samsung Exynos chipsets
- Monitor Samsung security bulletins for patch availability announcements
Patch Information
Samsung has published a security advisory for this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the Samsung Security Update for CVE-2025-22377 for detailed patch information and availability. Firmware updates addressing this vulnerability should be obtained through Samsung's official channels and applied following the manufacturer's guidance.
Device manufacturers utilizing affected Exynos chipsets should work with Samsung to obtain and distribute patched firmware to end users.
Workarounds
- No specific workarounds are available for this firmware-level vulnerability
- Limiting exposure to untrusted cellular networks may reduce risk until patching is complete
- Consider temporary use of alternative connectivity methods (WiFi) for critical operations on unpatched devices where feasible
- Implement network segmentation to isolate affected mobile devices from critical systems
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
