CVE-2025-62816 Overview
A denial of service vulnerability has been discovered in multiple Samsung Exynos mobile processors affecting the VS4L (Vision System for Linux) subsystem. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation in the VS4L_VERTEXIOC_BOOTUP ioctl handler, allowing a local attacker with low privileges to trigger a denial of service condition on affected devices.
Critical Impact
Local attackers can exploit unvalidated input handling in the VS4L subsystem to cause system instability or complete denial of service on Samsung Exynos-powered devices, affecting smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
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 1580 and Exynos 1580 Firmware
- Samsung Exynos 2200 and Exynos 2200 Firmware
- Samsung Exynos 2400 and Exynos 2400 Firmware
- Samsung Exynos 2500 and Exynos 2500 Firmware
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-03 - CVE-2025-62816 published to NVD
- 2026-03-04 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-62816
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation), a fundamental flaw where the affected software fails to properly validate user-supplied input before processing it. In this case, the VS4L (Vision System for Linux) kernel driver, which handles vision processing operations on Exynos processors, does not adequately validate parameters passed through the VS4L_VERTEXIOC_BOOTUP ioctl call.
The VS4L subsystem is a critical component that manages neural processing unit (NPU) and vision processing operations on Samsung Exynos SoCs. When a local user sends malformed or unexpected input through the bootup ioctl interface, the driver fails to perform proper bounds checking or validation, leading to a denial of service condition.
The local attack vector requires an attacker to have some level of access to the device, though only low privileges are needed. No user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability. The impact is limited to availability, with no direct compromise of confidentiality or integrity.
Root Cause
The root cause lies in insufficient input validation within the VS4L_VERTEXIOC_BOOTUP ioctl handler in the Exynos VS4L kernel driver. The driver accepts user-controlled parameters without proper sanitization, allowing malformed input to trigger an unhandled exception or resource exhaustion condition that results in denial of service.
Attack Vector
The attack requires local access to a device running an affected Samsung Exynos processor. An attacker with low-level privileges can interact with the VS4L device driver through the ioctl interface. By sending specially crafted input to the VS4L_VERTEXIOC_BOOTUP function, the attacker can trigger improper handling that leads to a denial of service.
The exploitation path involves:
- Gaining local access to an affected device (physical access or through a malicious application)
- Opening the VS4L device interface
- Sending malformed parameters through the VS4L_VERTEXIOC_BOOTUP ioctl call
- Triggering the denial of service condition due to lack of input validation
No proof-of-concept code has been publicly disclosed for this vulnerability. Technical details regarding the specific malformed input patterns that trigger the vulnerability are available in the Samsung Security Advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-62816
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected system crashes or reboots on devices with Exynos processors
- Abnormal activity in VS4L-related kernel logs or device driver interactions
- Processes attempting to access VS4L device interfaces with unusual ioctl parameters
- System instability specifically when vision/NPU processing tasks are running
Detection Strategies
- Monitor kernel logs for VS4L driver errors, crashes, or unexpected ioctl failures
- Implement application behavior monitoring to detect unusual access patterns to hardware device drivers
- Deploy mobile threat defense solutions that can identify applications attempting to exploit low-level kernel interfaces
- Audit installed applications for suspicious permissions that could grant access to hardware subsystems
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed kernel logging for the VS4L subsystem on development or test devices
- Implement endpoint detection capabilities that can identify denial of service patterns at the kernel driver level
- Monitor for applications requesting or using low-level hardware access permissions inappropriately
- Track device stability metrics to identify potential exploitation attempts across device fleets
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-62816
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the latest firmware updates from Samsung for affected Exynos processors
- Review and restrict application permissions that could grant access to low-level kernel interfaces
- Monitor devices for signs of exploitation or unusual stability issues
- Consider temporarily restricting untrusted application installations on critical devices
Patch Information
Samsung has released security updates addressing this vulnerability. Device manufacturers using affected Exynos processors should obtain the patched firmware from Samsung and distribute updates to end users. Detailed patch information is available in the Samsung Product Security Updates portal and the CVE-2025-62816 specific advisory.
End users should ensure their devices are running the latest available firmware and security patches provided by their device manufacturer.
Workarounds
- Limit installation of applications from untrusted sources to reduce local attack surface
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies to control application installations on enterprise devices
- Monitor device behavior for signs of denial of service attacks or unusual crashes
- Consider network segmentation for critical mobile devices until patches can be applied
# Check current firmware version on Android devices with Exynos processors
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
adb shell getprop ro.hardware
# Verify VS4L driver status
adb shell dmesg | grep -i vs4l
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
