SAMSUNG has issued a security alert about a high-risk vulnerability affecting a number of Exynos-based Galaxy devices, including smartphones and smartwatches. This vulnerability, which has been investigated for several weeks, could potentially allow unauthorized individuals to gain control of affected devices. Samsung recommends Exynos chipset users to update the latest security patch to protect against this vulnerability.

Exynos chips and devices are at risk

Affected chips include: Exynos 9820, Exynos 9825, Exynos 980, Exynos 990, Exynos 850 And Exynos W920. This vulnerability affects many Samsung Galaxy models, including the Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10, as well as popular series such as the Galaxy A21, Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A71. Additionally, some wearable devices such as Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch FE are also at risk.

Vulnerability details

The vulnerability could allow attackers to gain system-level access to the device and execute unauthorized code, resulting in the disclosure of sensitive user information such as banking information, personal messages and photos. Google’s Threat Analysis Group reported that attackers exploited this vulnerability by disguising malicious code as a Samsung process, making it difficult to detect during regular system scans. This obfuscation technique allowed hackers to maintain persistence on compromised devices without being detected immediately.

Although Samsung did not disclose the identity of the attackers or the scope of the incidents, Google’s security experts state that foreign actors have successfully exploited this vulnerability in many cases. Samsung’s official response indicates that they are actively working on additional patches, working with security experts, to further strengthen the protection of Exynos chipsets.

Samsung has started to release security updates that are expected to fix this critical vulnerability on infected devices. Affected Galaxy smartphone and watch users are strongly encouraged to install the latest security update as soon as it is released.

Until the patch is installed, Samsung recommends avoiding installing apps from unknown sources to reduce the risk of exploits. The warning comes at a difficult time for Samsung; The company is reportedly moving away from Exynos chips for its upcoming flagship series, the Galaxy S25 series.