CVE-2026-20993 in Samsung Assistant
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2026
Improper export of android application components in Samsung Assistant prior to version 9.3.10.7 allows local attacker to access saved information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-20993 represents a critical security flaw in Samsung Assistant application that affects versions prior to 9.3.10.7. This issue stems from improper export of Android application components, creating a significant attack surface that local adversaries can exploit to access sensitive user data. The vulnerability specifically targets the Android component export mechanism, which is a fundamental security control in mobile operating systems designed to prevent unauthorized access to application internals.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate permission controls and component exposure within the Samsung Assistant framework. Android applications typically utilize intent filters and component declarations to define which services, activities, or receivers can be accessed by other applications or system components. When these components are improperly exported without proper authentication or authorization checks, they create pathways for malicious actors to invoke these components directly. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-922 category of insufficient export of Android application components, which is classified as a security weakness in mobile application development practices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local attackers to access saved information stored within the Samsung Assistant application, potentially including user preferences, device settings, and other sensitive data that the application may have cached or stored locally. The local nature of the attack means that no network connectivity or external exploitation is required, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by malware already present on the device or by attackers who have gained local access through other means. The implications extend beyond simple data access, as this could potentially lead to privilege escalation or further exploitation of the device.
The attack vector for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which focuses on local privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised systems. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of improper access control implementation in mobile applications. The remediation strategy involves updating to Samsung Assistant version 9.3.10.7 or later, which includes proper component export controls and authentication mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies to ensure timely patch deployment and conduct regular security assessments of mobile applications to identify similar export-related vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices for Android applications and adhering to the principle of least privilege when declaring application components.