CVE-2026-21026 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 06/05/2026
Improper export of android application components in SpriteWallpaper prior to SMR Jun-2026 Release 1 allows local attackers to access to sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2026
This vulnerability involves improper export of Android application components in the SpriteWallpaper application prior to the SMR Jun-2026 Release 1, creating a significant security risk for local attackers. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly restrict access to its exported components, which are designed to be accessible to other applications on the device. When components such as activities, services, or broadcast receivers are exported without proper security controls, they become vulnerable to unauthorized access and exploitation by malicious local applications that may be installed on the same device.
The technical flaw manifests in the Android manifest file where application components are declared with android:exported="true" without appropriate intent filters or permission restrictions. This configuration allows any application with the necessary capabilities to directly invoke these components, potentially exposing sensitive data or functionality that should remain protected within the application's secure boundaries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions and access controls, and represents a classic example of insufficient access control in Android applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information that may include user data, application state, or internal processing capabilities that are normally protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further exploitation within the application's attack surface. Local attackers who can successfully access these exported components may be able to extract sensitive data, manipulate application behavior, or potentially escalate their privileges within the application context. This vulnerability particularly affects the Android security model by undermining the principle of least privilege, where components should only be accessible to authorized applications with proper permissions. The risk is compounded by the fact that attackers do not require network connectivity or external attack vectors, making this a particularly dangerous local privilege escalation opportunity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper component access controls through the Android manifest file. Application developers should ensure that exported components include appropriate permission checks using android:permission attributes, or implement intent filters that restrict which applications can access these components. The recommended approach follows ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses privilege escalation through improper component exposure, by establishing proper access controls and reducing the attack surface. Additionally, developers should conduct regular security reviews of their Android manifest configurations and implement the principle of least privilege for all exported components. The fix requires updating the application to properly restrict access to sensitive components while maintaining legitimate functionality for authorized applications, ensuring that only trusted components or applications with appropriate permissions can interact with the vulnerable exported elements.