CVE-2026-20992 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2026
Improper authorization in Settings prior to SMR Mar-2026 Release 1 allows local attacker to disable configuring the background data usage of application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2026
This vulnerability resides in the Android operating system's settings component and represents a critical authorization flaw that affects devices prior to the SMR March 2026 security update release. The issue stems from insufficient access controls within the system's background data usage configuration mechanisms, allowing unauthorized local attackers to manipulate network settings without proper authentication. This weakness specifically targets the Android framework's permission model for system-level configuration changes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries that should protect background data policies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the Android security architecture's authorization checks within the Settings application. When users attempt to configure background data usage for applications, the system should verify proper user credentials and administrative privileges before allowing modifications. However, the flaw permits local attackers to disable these configurations through unauthorized system calls or direct interface manipulation. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks that aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software systems. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Android system server's handling of network configuration permissions and demonstrates a breakdown in the principle of least privilege enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as it enables attackers to potentially disrupt network connectivity for applications or disable critical background services that maintain application functionality. A local attacker could exploit this weakness to prevent legitimate applications from accessing the internet in the background, causing service degradation or complete application failure. This capability could be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where applications require background data synchronization or in applications that depend on real-time data processing. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to disable security-related applications or monitoring tools that rely on background connectivity, effectively creating a sandbox escape that undermines the device's overall security posture.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment to the SMR March 2026 release which includes the necessary authorization fixes. System administrators should implement additional monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes to background data policies and establish baseline configurations that can detect malicious modifications. The Android security model requires that all system-level configuration changes be properly authenticated through the established permission framework, and this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining these security boundaries. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce additional controls over background data usage policies and monitor for suspicious configuration changes that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the need for continuous security auditing of system-level components and proper adherence to security frameworks such as those outlined in the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques.