Samsung has released a critical security update addressing multiple severe vulnerabilities affecting Galaxy smartphones across numerous generations.
The November 2025 security patch represents one of the most significant security releases in months, with between 34 and 45 fixes depending on the specific device model.
The update targets two critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities discovered in the Android operating system that could allow attackers to gain complete control of affected devices remotely.
These flaws are particularly dangerous because they operate on a zero-click exploitation basis, meaning users need not take any action for their devices to be compromised. A specially crafted data packet processed in the background is sufficient to trigger the exploit, eliminating the traditional barriers that typically require user interaction.
The November 2025 patch addresses 25 vulnerabilities from Google's Android Security Bulletin, with two classified as critical-risk and the remainder marked as high-risk.
Beyond the Android system flaws, Samsung has included nine security fixes specific to its One UI software layer and 11 patches addressing vulnerabilities in Exynos chips manufactured between 2019 and 2024.
These vulnerabilities span a wide range of Android versions, affecting devices running Android 13 through Android 16. The scope of impact underscores the urgency of deployment across Samsung's device portfolio.
Samsung initiated the rollout in key markets during mid-November, beginning with South Korea and Vietnam before expanding globally. The Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra received the update in their respective regions, with build number S93xNKSS7BYK5 for base and Plus models, carrying a firmware size of 531.39MB.
The Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S23 lineups followed shortly thereafter, alongside both the 2024 and 2025 generations of foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 6.
Galaxy S23 models are receiving 34 patches through the update, while S24 and S25 devices benefit from the full suite of approximately 45 fixes when Exynos-specific patches are included.
Devices powered by Qualcomm processors receive a different patch configuration than Exynos variants, reflecting chipset-specific vulnerabilities addressed in the release.
The timing of this update carries particular weight given recent exploitation campaigns. Security researchers documented instances of Samsung vulnerabilities being weaponized in the wild prior to patches becoming available.
A zero-day in the image codec library was actively exploited before Samsung addressed it in April 2025, while another high-severity flaw in the same component was discovered being exploited as recently as September 2025.
Samsung's implementation of the November patch demonstrates accelerated deployment across multiple device tiers simultaneously.
The company seeded the update to the last three generations of Galaxy S phones, both recent foldable generations, and the Galaxy Tab S11 on the same day—a departure from typical staggered rollout patterns. This coordinated approach reflects the security-critical nature of the vulnerabilities being addressed.
The update mechanism differs across Samsung's portfolio based on device generation. Galaxy S25 models employ seamless update technology, allowing most of the installation process to occur in the background without requiring device restart.
Older generations, including the Galaxy S24 and earlier models, necessitate full device restarts for installation completion, resulting in temporary unavailability during the update process.
Security experts emphasize the necessity of rapid deployment to this patch. The cybersecurity principle governing vulnerability disclosure operates on the premise that once patches become public, attackers immediately study the corrected code to understand underlying exploits.
Malware developers subsequently engineer attacks specifically targeting users who have not yet installed the update, converting delayed adoption into an open vulnerability window.
Users seeking to install the update should navigate to the device's Settings menu, select Software update, and choose Download and install.
Devices on Samsung's monthly security maintenance schedule are guaranteed to receive the patch first, while quarterly or biannual update schedules may experience delayed availability depending on their last received security update timing.
The urgency surrounding this particular release warrants immediate action. Given the established pattern of active exploitation of Samsung vulnerabilities prior to patch availability, allowing a device to remain unpatched extends its exposure to remote compromise.
The zero-click exploitation capability means protection cannot be achieved through user awareness or cautious digital behavior—only timely software updates provide effective mitigation.
