Exynos-Based Galaxy Phones Are Hacked, Samsung Releases Security Warning

Samsung warned of a high vulnerability affecting various Exynos-powered Galaxy devices (photo: x @TechCard)

JAKARTA - Samsung has issued a high vulnerability-related security warning affecting various Exynos-powered Galaxy devices, including smartphones and smartwatches. This exploit, which has been investigated for several weeks, has the potential to allow unauthorized parties to take over the controls of affected devices.

Samsung urges Exynos chipset users to immediately update to the latest security patches to protect their devices from this risk.

Affected chips include Exynos 9820, Exynos 9825, Exynos 980, Exynos 990, Exynos 850, and Exynos W920. These vulnerabilities affect several Samsung Galaxy models, including popular series such as the Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy Note 10, as well as the Galaxy A21, Galaxy A51, and Galaxy A71. In addition, wearable devices such as the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch FE are also risky.

Detailed Vulnerabilities

This vulnerability allows attackers to gain system-level access to devices and execute code without permission, so users' sensitive information such as banking data, personal messages, and photos can be threatened. The Google Threat Analysis Team reported that the malicious actor disguised the malicious code as a Samsung process, which makes it difficult to detect in regular system scanning. This incognito technique allows hackers to maintain access to hacked devices without being detected directly.

Samsung did not reveal the identity of the perpetrators or the extent to which this incident occurred. However, Google security experts note that foreign actors have succeeded in exploiting this vulnerability in some cases.

Samsung has started releasing security updates that are expected to handle this vulnerability. Affected Galaxy users are highly advised to install the latest security updates as soon as they become available. Until the patch is installed, Samsung advises users to avoid installation of apps from unknown sources to reduce the risk of exposure to this exploit.

This warning comes amid reports that Samsung will shift its focus from the Exynos chip for the upcoming flagship line, the Galaxy S25.