CVE-2025-62814 Overview
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability has been discovered in multiple Samsung Exynos mobile processors, specifically affecting the load_fw_utc_vector() function. This firmware-level flaw allows a remote attacker to trigger a denial of service condition by exploiting improper handling of the ft_handle parameter. When the NULL pointer is dereferenced, the affected device experiences a crash or becomes unresponsive, impacting device availability.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service on devices powered by affected Samsung Exynos processors, potentially disrupting millions of mobile devices without requiring authentication or user interaction.
Affected Products
- Samsung Exynos 1280 and Exynos 1280 Firmware
- Samsung Exynos 1380 and Exynos 1380 Firmware
- Samsung Exynos 1480 and Exynos 1480 Firmware
- Samsung Exynos 2200 and Exynos 2200 Firmware
- Samsung Exynos 2400 and Exynos 2400 Firmware
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-03 - CVE-2025-62814 published to NVD
- 2026-03-04 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-62814
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-476 (NULL Pointer Dereference), a memory corruption issue that occurs when firmware code attempts to use a pointer that has not been properly initialized or has been set to NULL. In the context of Samsung Exynos processors, the vulnerability exists within the load_fw_utc_vector() function, which is responsible for loading firmware Universal Test Channel (UTC) vectors.
The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over a network connection without requiring any privileges or user interaction. When successfully exploited, the NULL pointer dereference causes the processor firmware to crash, resulting in a complete denial of service condition. The attack does not allow for data exfiltration or code execution—the impact is limited to availability disruption.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient validation of the ft_handle parameter within the load_fw_utc_vector() function. When this handle is passed to the function without proper initialization or after being freed, the code fails to verify that ft_handle contains a valid memory reference before attempting to dereference it. This missing NULL check allows an attacker to craft malicious input that triggers the dereference of an invalid pointer, leading to a system crash.
Attack Vector
The attack can be executed remotely over a network connection. An attacker can send specially crafted network packets or requests that cause the vulnerable firmware function to be invoked with a NULL or invalid ft_handle parameter. Because the vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, it presents a significant risk for devices exposed to untrusted network traffic.
The vulnerability manifests in the load_fw_utc_vector() function when processing firmware vectors. When the ft_handle parameter is NULL or invalid at the time of use, the firmware attempts to read from or write to memory at address 0x0, causing an immediate crash. See the Samsung CVE-2025-62814 Details for additional technical information.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-62814
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected device crashes or reboots, particularly when connected to a network
- System logs showing kernel panics or firmware exceptions related to pointer operations
- Repeated firmware crash dumps indicating NULL pointer access violations
- Network traffic patterns suggesting exploitation attempts targeting mobile processor firmware
Detection Strategies
- Monitor device stability logs for unusual crash patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts
- Implement network intrusion detection rules to identify malformed packets targeting Exynos firmware interfaces
- Review firmware crash dumps for NULL pointer dereference signatures in the load_fw_utc_vector() function
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring mobile device firmware behavior
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on network perimeters to capture traffic directed at potentially vulnerable endpoints
- Implement device health monitoring to detect abnormal reboot or crash frequencies
- Configure alerting for firmware-level exceptions on managed mobile devices
- Review Samsung security bulletins regularly for updated indicators and patches
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-62814
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the latest firmware updates from Samsung for all affected Exynos processor devices
- Limit network exposure of devices running vulnerable firmware where possible
- Implement network segmentation to reduce attack surface for mobile devices
- Monitor for unusual device behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts
Patch Information
Samsung has published security updates addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should apply the latest firmware versions available through the Samsung Product Security Updates portal. Detailed patch information for CVE-2025-62814 is available in the Samsung CVE-2025-62814 Details advisory.
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to devices with vulnerable firmware until patches can be applied
- Deploy network filtering to block potentially malicious traffic targeting mobile processors
- Consider isolating vulnerable devices from untrusted network segments
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies to expedite firmware updates across the organization
# Check current firmware version on affected Samsung devices
# Navigate to: Settings > About Phone > Software Information
# Verify firmware version against Samsung security bulletin
# Apply updates via: Settings > Software Update > Download and Install
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
