CVE-2026-20976 in Galaxy Store
Summary
by MITRE • 01/09/2026
Improper input validation in Galaxy Store prior to version 4.6.02 allows local attacker to execute arbitrary script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-20976 represents a critical security flaw in the Galaxy Store application affecting versions prior to 4.6.02. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability exists within the application's handling of local inputs, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to execute arbitrary scripts on affected devices. The flaw specifically impacts Samsung's official app store application, which serves as a primary distribution channel for mobile applications on Samsung Galaxy devices.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security. The Galaxy Store application fails to implement proper sanitization and validation checks on input parameters, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the application's context. This weakness enables a local attacker to leverage the application's trust model and execute unauthorized scripts, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application level rather than requiring network-based exploitation, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to affected devices through the Galaxy Store application. A successful exploitation could enable attackers to install malicious applications, modify system configurations, access sensitive user data, or establish backdoor access points. The local nature of the attack means that physical access to the device or a pre-existing foothold within the system is sufficient for exploitation. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of user data stored on Samsung devices, as well as the overall security posture of the mobile ecosystem. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-20976 require immediate deployment of the patched Galaxy Store version 4.6.02 or later, which implements proper input validation mechanisms and sanitization routines. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify devices running vulnerable versions and ensure all Samsung Galaxy devices are updated through official channels. Additional protective measures include implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies, monitoring for unauthorized application installations, and conducting regular security audits of mobile applications. Security teams should also consider network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for mobile security incidents. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in mobile application development, particularly for applications handling user inputs or system-level operations.