CVE-2025-21032 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Samsung Mobile Devices running One UI Home versions prior to the SMR (Security Maintenance Release) September 2025 Release 1. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which pertains to improper access control. Specifically, this flaw allows a physical attacker to bypass the Kiosk mode under limited conditions. Kiosk mode is a security feature designed to restrict device usage to a single application or a controlled set of functionalities, commonly used in enterprise or public-facing devices to prevent unauthorized access to other system features or data. The vulnerability arises because the access control mechanisms within One UI Home do not adequately enforce restrictions, enabling an attacker with physical access to the device to circumvent these controls. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.9, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H) reveals that exploitation requires physical access (AV:P), has low attack complexity (AC:L), does not require privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U). The impact affects integrity and availability (I:H/A:H) but not confidentiality (C:N). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or updates are linked yet. This vulnerability is significant because bypassing Kiosk mode can allow attackers to perform unauthorized actions, potentially leading to device misuse, data tampering, or denial of service on devices intended to be locked down for specific uses.

For European organizations, especially those deploying Samsung mobile devices in controlled environments such as retail kiosks, public information terminals, or enterprise devices locked down via Kiosk mode, this vulnerability poses a tangible risk. An attacker with physical access could bypass restrictions, potentially leading to unauthorized changes to device settings, installation of malicious applications, or disruption of intended device functions. This could result in operational disruptions, data integrity issues, or exposure of sensitive business processes. The impact is heightened in sectors relying on device lockdown for compliance or security, such as finance, healthcare, or public services. Although confidentiality is not directly impacted, the integrity and availability concerns can lead to significant operational and reputational damage. The requirement for physical access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in environments where devices are accessible to untrusted individuals. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests limited current exploitation but does not preclude future attacks once details become public.

European organizations should prioritize updating affected Samsung devices to the SMR September 2025 Release 1 or later as soon as the patch becomes available. Until then, physical security controls should be enhanced to prevent unauthorized access to devices running vulnerable versions. This includes restricting physical access to devices, employing tamper-evident seals, and monitoring device locations. Additionally, organizations should audit the deployment of Kiosk mode to ensure it is configured with the strictest possible settings and consider supplementary device management solutions that can detect or prevent unauthorized usage. Training staff to recognize and report suspicious activity around devices can also reduce risk. For high-risk environments, consider temporarily disabling Kiosk mode or using alternative lockdown solutions until patches are applied. Regularly review device logs and behavior for anomalies indicative of attempted bypasses.