CVE-2021-25489
MediumExploitedPublic exploitAssuming 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.
Published Oct 6, 2021 · Updated Oct 30, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2021-25489 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 5.5 v3.1) affecting Android (Samsung), Samsung Mobile Devices.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 16, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 0.5% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Samsung Mobile Devices SMR Oct-2021 Release 1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
5.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
0.5%
Higher than 43.6% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jun 29, 2023 | Jul 20, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Jul 16, 2021 | Jul 20, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jun 29, 2023 | Jul 20, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jun 29, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if updates are unavailable
Affected Products
29 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| AndroidSamsung | 10.0-smr-apr-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-aug-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-feb-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-jan-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-jul-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-jun-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-mar-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-may-2021-r1 | n/a |
| Samsung Mobile Devices | >= O(8.1), P(9.0), Q(10.0), R(11.0) | SMR Oct-2021 Release 1 |
Patched Releases
Samsung Mobile Devices
SMR Oct-2021 Release 1
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jul 16, 2021
Publicly disclosed
Oct 6, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Jun 29, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jun 29, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jun 29, 2023
Last updated
Oct 30, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
- CWE-134 Use of Externally-Controlled Format String
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: Android (Samsung) versions 10.0-smr-apr-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-aug-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-feb-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-jan-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-jul-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-jun-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-mar-2021-r1, 10.0-smr-may-2021-r1; Samsung Mobile Devices versions >= O(8.1), P(9.0), Q(10.0), R(11.0). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 16, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Jun 29, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Jul 20, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Samsung Mobile Devices SMR Oct-2021 Release 1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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