CVE-2025-57836 is a vulnerability identified in Samsung Magician software versions 6.3.0 through 8.3.2 running on Windows platforms. The core issue arises during the installation process, where the installer creates a temporary folder with weak access permissions. These permissions allow non-administrative users to write or modify files within this folder. An attacker with standard user privileges can exploit this by placing a malicious DLL in the temporary folder, which the installer subsequently loads due to DLL search order hijacking. This DLL hijacking technique enables the attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively escalating their access rights on the system. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability because an attacker can gain administrative control, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying system configurations, or disrupting system operations. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, considering the attack vector is local (AV:L), attack complexity is low (AC:L), privileges required are low (PR:L), no user interaction is needed (UI:N), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a significant threat. The weakness corresponds to CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element), a common vector for DLL hijacking attacks. Samsung Magician is widely used for managing Samsung SSDs, making this vulnerability relevant for environments where these drives and software are deployed.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially in enterprises and institutions relying on Samsung SSDs managed via Samsung Magician on Windows systems. Successful exploitation could allow attackers with limited access to escalate privileges to administrative levels, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, or deployment of further malware. This could compromise data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, impacting business operations and regulatory compliance, particularly under GDPR requirements. The local attack vector means that insider threats or attackers who have gained initial footholds could leverage this vulnerability to deepen their control. The absence of required user interaction increases the risk of automated or stealthy exploitation. Given the widespread use of Windows in European corporate environments and the popularity of Samsung SSDs, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of sectors including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies.

To mitigate CVE-2025-57836, organizations should first restrict permissions on temporary folders created during Samsung Magician installation to prevent non-admin users from writing to these locations. Implement strict access control policies and monitor file system changes in installation directories. Until an official patch is released by Samsung, consider deploying application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized DLLs from loading. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect suspicious DLL loading behavior and privilege escalation attempts. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of running installers with elevated privileges unnecessarily. Regularly audit installed software versions and plan for prompt updates once Samsung releases a fix. Additionally, consider isolating systems running Samsung Magician or limiting user privileges to reduce the attack surface. Employ security solutions that can detect and block DLL hijacking techniques. Finally, maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to minimize impact in case of compromise.