CVE-2026-21001: Galaxy Store Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2026-21001 Overview

A path traversal vulnerability has been identified in Samsung Galaxy Store prior to version 4.6.03.8. This security flaw allows a local attacker to exploit improper path validation, enabling the creation of arbitrary files with Galaxy Store application privileges. The vulnerability could be leveraged to write malicious files to sensitive directories on the device, potentially leading to further exploitation or system compromise.

Critical Impact

Local attackers can create arbitrary files with elevated Galaxy Store privileges, potentially compromising device integrity and enabling further attack chains on Samsung mobile devices.

Affected Products

• Samsung Galaxy Store versions prior to 4.6.03.8
• Samsung mobile devices with vulnerable Galaxy Store installations

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-16 - CVE CVE-2026-21001 published to NVD
• 2026-03-16 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-21001

Vulnerability Analysis

This path traversal vulnerability exists in Samsung Galaxy Store due to insufficient validation of user-controlled file path inputs. The application fails to properly sanitize path components, allowing attackers to inject special directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape intended directory boundaries. When successfully exploited, an attacker can write files to arbitrary locations on the device's file system using the elevated privileges of the Galaxy Store application.

The local attack vector requires the attacker to have some form of access to the target device, either through a malicious application installed on the device or through direct physical access. While the attack complexity involves certain prerequisites, no user interaction is required for exploitation once the attacker has local access.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in inadequate input validation within Samsung Galaxy Store's file handling mechanisms. The application does not properly sanitize or validate file path inputs before using them in file system operations. This allows specially crafted path strings containing directory traversal sequences to bypass intended directory restrictions, enabling file creation outside of the application's designated storage areas.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access to the target Samsung device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability through a malicious application installed on the device that interacts with the Galaxy Store's vulnerable file handling functionality. The attack does not require user interaction and can be executed without elevated privileges on the attacker's part. Successful exploitation results in the ability to create files with Galaxy Store's application privileges, which could be used to:

• Plant malicious configuration files
• Overwrite application data
• Establish persistence mechanisms
• Enable privilege escalation through additional attack chains

The vulnerability mechanism involves crafting file path inputs that include traversal sequences to navigate outside the intended directory structure. When the Galaxy Store processes these malicious paths, it creates files at attacker-specified locations using its own elevated permissions.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-21001

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected file creation in system directories or application data folders outside Galaxy Store's designated paths
• Presence of files with Galaxy Store ownership in locations where they should not exist
• Anomalous file system activity associated with the com.sec.android.app.samsungapps package
• Evidence of directory traversal patterns (../) in application logs or file system audit trails

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file system operations performed by Galaxy Store application for paths containing traversal sequences
• Implement application-level monitoring to detect suspicious file creation patterns
• Deploy mobile threat detection solutions capable of identifying path traversal exploitation attempts
• Review device logs for evidence of exploitation targeting Galaxy Store components

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable file system auditing on Samsung devices where possible to track file creation events
• Monitor for newly installed applications that may be attempting to interact with Galaxy Store in suspicious ways
• Implement network-level monitoring for devices to detect potential data exfiltration following exploitation
• Regularly audit file system integrity to identify unauthorized file modifications

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-21001

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Samsung Galaxy Store to version 4.6.03.8 or later immediately
• Review devices for indicators of compromise before and after patching
• Consider temporarily restricting Galaxy Store permissions until patching is complete
• Audit installed applications for potentially malicious apps that may have exploited this vulnerability

Patch Information

Samsung has addressed this vulnerability in Galaxy Store version 4.6.03.8. The patch is available through Samsung's standard update mechanisms. Organizations and users should ensure their Galaxy Store application is updated to the patched version. For detailed information about the security update, refer to the Samsung Mobile Security Bulletin.

Workarounds

• Restrict installation of untrusted applications to minimize local attack surface
• Disable Galaxy Store if it is not required for device operation until patching can be performed
• Implement mobile device management (MDM) policies to enforce application updates
• Monitor device file systems for suspicious file creation activity as an interim detection measure

# Verify Galaxy Store version on Samsung devices
# Access Settings > Apps > Galaxy Store > App info to check current version
# Ensure version is 4.6.03.8 or higher

# For enterprise environments, use MDM to enforce app updates:
# Configure MDM policy to require Galaxy Store version >= 4.6.03.8