CVE-2026-21077 in Health
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2026
Incorrect authorization in Samsung Health prior to version 7.0.0 allows local attackers to access sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2026
Samsung Health applications prior to version 7.0.0 contained a critical authorization flaw that enabled local attackers to bypass proper access controls and obtain sensitive health data without proper authentication. This vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user permissions and insufficient enforcement of access boundaries within the application's security architecture. The flaw exists in the application's internal authorization mechanism where it fails to properly verify that requesting processes possess appropriate privileges before granting access to protected health information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper handling of inter-process communication channels and insufficient sandboxing controls. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging malicious applications or system-level tools to directly interact with Samsung Health's internal data structures. The flaw operates at the application layer where authorization decisions are made, allowing unauthorized access to personal health records, activity data, sleep patterns, and other sensitive user information. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization as classified under CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization within software systems.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users whose health data may be accessed by malicious actors without their knowledge or consent. The local attack vector means that adversaries do not require network connectivity or remote exploitation capabilities to compromise user data, making the threat more accessible and persistent. Attackers can potentially access sensitive information such as medical history, exercise routines, heart rate data, and location-based health tracking information that could be used for identity theft, insurance fraud, or other malicious purposes. The impact extends beyond individual privacy concerns to potential corporate security implications when organizations deploy Samsung Health applications for employee wellness programs.
The vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access categories, where adversaries seek to gain unauthorized access to protected resources within the device. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory application updates to version 7.0.0 or later, which includes enhanced authorization controls and proper access validation mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security monitoring to detect suspicious access patterns and ensure that all devices running Samsung Health applications maintain current security patches. The fix addresses the root cause by strengthening the application's permission model and ensuring that all data access requests undergo proper authorization verification before any sensitive information is returned to requesting processes, thereby preventing unauthorized data disclosure through local attack vectors.