CVE-2022-25820 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerable design in a fingerprint matching algorithm prior to SMR Mar-2022 Release 1 in Samsung Mobile Devices allows physical attackers to perform a brute force attack on the screen lock password.

Understanding CVE-2022-25820

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the fingerprint matching algorithm affecting select R(11) and S(12) devices prior to SMR Mar-2022 Release 1 from Samsung Mobile.

What is CVE-2022-25820?

The vulnerability allows physical attackers to conduct a brute force attack on the screen lock password due to a flawed design in the fingerprint matching algorithm.

The Impact of CVE-2022-25820

With a CVSS base score of 4.2, this vulnerability poses a medium risk in terms of confidentiality impact, where a physical attacker can exploit the flaw to compromise sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-25820

The following technical details provide insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerable design in the fingerprint matching algorithm enables physical attackers to perform a brute force attack on the screen lock password.

Affected Systems and Versions

Select R(11) and S(12) devices running versions prior to SMR Mar-2022 Release 1 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with physical access can exploit the vulnerability to repeatedly attempt fingerprint matching until the screen lock password is compromised.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-25820, users and organizations can take the following mitigation measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected devices to SMR Mar-2022 Release 1 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Implement additional authentication measures to reduce reliance on the fingerprint lock.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update devices to the latest software versions to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on secure practices, such as setting complex passwords in addition to biometric authentication.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Samsung Mobile and apply patches promptly to ensure the protection of sensitive data.