Introduction - Engaging opening that highlights real impact and significance
Sensitive data including contacts, messages, photos, and application information can be exposed to unauthorized parties during device-to-device transfers if authentication controls fail. This scenario became a reality for users of Samsung Smart Switch prior to version 3.7.66.6, where a high-severity vulnerability allowed adjacent attackers to access in-transit data without user interaction or device compromise.
Samsung Smart Switch is the company's official tool for migrating data between Galaxy devices. With millions of users globally, it plays a critical role in device upgrades and replacements across consumer and enterprise environments.
Technical Information
CVE-2025-21064 is an authentication bypass vulnerability affecting Samsung Smart Switch versions before 3.7.66.6. The flaw is rooted in improper authentication during the wireless data transfer process, particularly when using WiFi Direct. During a transfer, the application is supposed to authenticate the participating devices before allowing data exchange. However, in affected versions, authentication checks were insufficient, enabling an attacker on the same local network (adjacent attacker) to intercept or access data being transferred between devices.
Key technical points:
- The vulnerability does not require user interaction or prior compromise of either device.
- Attackers must be on the same network segment (adjacent network) as the devices performing the transfer.
- Exploitation allows access to all categories of data selected for migration, including contacts, messages, photos, and more.
- The root cause is a failure to properly validate authentication during the initial connection and transfer phases, allowing unauthorized devices to participate in or intercept the transfer session.
No public code snippets or exploit scripts have been released for this vulnerability. The attack surface is limited to wireless transfer modes, especially those relying on WiFi Direct.
Patch Information
In the October 2025 Security Maintenance Release (SMR), Samsung addressed this vulnerability by updating Smart Switch to version 3.7.66.6. The patch implemented stringent authentication mechanisms to secure data transfers and prevent unauthorized access by adjacent attackers.
Patch details:
- Affected application: Samsung Smart Switch
- Fixed in: Version 3.7.66.6
- Patch release: October 2025 SMR
- Source: Samsung Mobile Security Advisory
Users and organizations should upgrade to version 3.7.66.6 or later as soon as possible. Enterprises should ensure all managed devices are updated and consider enforcing wired transfers for sensitive data migrations.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Samsung Smart Switch Mobile versions prior to 3.7.66.6
- All configurations using wireless transfer (especially WiFi Direct) are vulnerable
- Devices running outdated versions on both Android and Samsung's proprietary platforms
Vendor Security History
Samsung has previously addressed authentication and access control vulnerabilities across its application ecosystem, including Samsung Notes, Samsung Health, and other proprietary apps. The company maintains a monthly security update program and typically responds promptly to responsibly disclosed vulnerabilities. The patch for CVE-2025-21064 was released within three months of disclosure, reflecting a mature and responsive security process.
