Samsung addressed a **critical path traversal vulnerability (CVE-2025-4632)** in its **MagicINFO 9 Server**, exploited to propagate the **Mirai botnet**. The flaw, stemming from improper pathname limitations, allowed **arbitrary file writes**, enabling attackers to execute malicious commands, download payloads, and conduct reconnaissance. The vulnerability was actively abused in **three confirmed incidents** after a proof-of-concept (PoC) was publicly released on **April 30**. Affected systems included **versions v8 to v9 (21.1050.0)**, with patching complications noted—users upgrading from **v8 to v9 (21.1052.0)** were required to first install an intermediate vulnerable version (21.1050.0) before applying fixes. The exploitation risked **unauthorized system access, lateral movement within networks, and potential botnet integration**, amplifying risks of **distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks** or further malware deployment. While no direct data breaches or financial losses were reported, the vulnerability posed a **significant operational threat**, particularly for enterprises relying on MagicINFO for digital signage and content management.
Samsung Electronics cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/samsung-electronics
"id": "SAM4062340111725",
"linkid": "samsung-electronics",
"type": "Vulnerability",
"date": "4/2025",
"severity": "85",
"impact": "4",
"explanation": "Attack with significant impact with customers data leaks"
{'affected_entities': [{'industry': 'Technology (Consumer Electronics, '
'Software)',
'location': 'Global (Headquartered in South Korea)',
'name': 'Samsung',
'size': 'Large Enterprise',
'type': 'Corporation'}],
'attack_vector': ['Path Traversal (CVE-2025-4632)',
'Proof-of-Concept Exploitation',
'Command Execution for Payload Downloads'],
'customer_advisories': ["Samsung's patch advisory for MagicINFO Server "
'users.'],
'date_publicly_disclosed': '2025-04-30',
'description': 'Patches have been provided by Samsung for a critical path '
'traversal vulnerability in its MagicINFO 9 Server, tracked as '
'CVE-2025-4632, which has been leveraged to spread the Mirai '
'botnet. The flaw stems from an improper pathname limitation '
'that could enable arbitrary file write. Attacks exploiting '
"the vulnerability commenced following SSD Disclosure's "
"release of a proof-of-concept on April 30. Samsung's fixes "
'were released after Huntress researchers reported the defect '
'had been abused in three incidents involving identical '
'commands for payload downloads and reconnaissance. Affected '
'versions include v8 to v9 21.1050.0. Upgrading to the patched '
'version (21.1052.0) requires an intermediate step '
'(21.1050.0).',
'impact': {'brand_reputation_impact': ['Potential Reputation Damage Due to '
'Vulnerability Exploitation'],
'operational_impact': ['Potential Unauthorized File Modifications',
'Botnet Infection',
'Reconnaissance Activity'],
'systems_affected': ['Samsung MagicINFO Server (Versions v8 to v9 '
'21.1050.0)']},
'initial_access_broker': {'entry_point': 'CVE-2025-4632 (Path Traversal '
'Vulnerability in MagicINFO Server)',
'high_value_targets': ['MagicINFO Servers (Versions '
'v8 to v9 21.1050.0)'],
'reconnaissance_period': 'Post-April 30, 2025 '
'(Following PoC Release)'},
'investigation_status': 'Ongoing (Patches Released, Exploitation Observed in '
'Three Incidents)',
'lessons_learned': ['Critical importance of timely patching for known '
'vulnerabilities, especially those with public PoCs.',
'Complexity in patch deployment (e.g., intermediate '
'upgrade requirements) can delay remediation and prolong '
'exposure.',
'Monitoring for exploitation attempts post-PoC release is '
'essential to detect early-stage attacks (e.g., '
'reconnaissance).'],
'motivation': ['Botnet Expansion (Mirai)',
'Reconnaissance',
'Potential Follow-on Attacks'],
'post_incident_analysis': {'corrective_actions': ['Release of security '
'patches (version '
'21.1052.0) to address the '
'path traversal flaw.',
'Public disclosure to raise '
'awareness among MagicINFO '
'Server administrators.',
'Collaboration with '
'security researchers '
'(Huntress) to investigate '
'exploitation attempts.'],
'root_causes': ['Improper pathname limitation in '
'MagicINFO Server (CVE-2025-4632) '
'enabling arbitrary file write.',
'Delayed patch deployment due to '
'complex upgrade path '
'(intermediate version '
'requirement).',
'Rapid weaponization of '
'vulnerability post-PoC release by '
'threat actors (e.g., Mirai '
'operators).']},
'recommendations': ["Immediately apply Samsung's patch for MagicINFO Server "
'(version 21.1052.0) after ensuring the intermediate '
'upgrade (21.1050.0) is in place.',
'Conduct network scans to identify and isolate unpatched '
'MagicINFO servers vulnerable to CVE-2025-4632.',
'Monitor for signs of Mirai botnet activity (e.g., '
'unusual outbound connections, reconnaissance commands).',
'Review and simplify patch deployment processes to avoid '
'multi-step upgrade requirements that may delay '
'remediation.',
'Implement compensating controls (e.g., WAF rules, file '
'integrity monitoring) for systems that cannot be patched '
'immediately.'],
'references': [{'source': 'The Hacker News'},
{'date_accessed': '2025-04-30',
'source': 'SSD Disclosure (Proof-of-Concept)'},
{'source': 'Huntress Research Report'}],
'response': {'communication_strategy': ['Public Disclosure via The Hacker '
'News',
'Technical Advisory by Huntress'],
'containment_measures': ['Patch Release (Version 21.1052.0)',
'Intermediate Upgrade Requirement '
'(21.1050.0 → 21.1052.0)'],
'incident_response_plan_activated': True,
'remediation_measures': ['Software Patches', 'Public Advisory'],
'third_party_assistance': ['Huntress Researchers',
'SSD Disclosure (PoC Release)']},
'title': 'Critical Path Traversal Vulnerability in Samsung MagicINFO 9 Server '
'(CVE-2025-4632) Exploited for Mirai Botnet Spread',
'type': ['Vulnerability Exploitation',
'Botnet Propagation (Mirai)',
'Unauthorized Arbitrary File Write'],
'vulnerability_exploited': 'CVE-2025-4632 (Improper Pathname Limitation '
'Leading to Arbitrary File Write)'}