CVE-2026-21032 Overview
CVE-2026-21032 affects Samsung Assistant versions prior to 9.3.14. The vulnerability stems from improper export of an Android application component named SmartHomeWidgetReceiver. A local attacker can leverage this exposed component to execute arbitrary script on the affected device. The flaw is classified as a mobile application vulnerability with local attack vector and requires no privileges or user interaction. Samsung addressed this issue in its June 2026 mobile security advisory.
Critical Impact
A local attacker can execute arbitrary script through an improperly exported Android component, leading to confidentiality impact on devices running Samsung Assistant before version 9.3.14.
Affected Products
- Samsung Assistant versions prior to 9.3.14
- Android devices with Samsung Assistant installed
- Samsung mobile devices distributing Samsung Assistant through Galaxy Store
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-05 - CVE-2026-21032 published to NVD
- 2026-06-11 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-21032
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the SmartHomeWidgetReceiver component of Samsung Assistant. Android applications declare components such as activities, services, and broadcast receivers in their manifest. When a component is exported, other applications on the device can interact with it through intents. The SmartHomeWidgetReceiver was exported without sufficient access controls, allowing untrusted local applications to deliver crafted intents. Successful interaction with the receiver enables arbitrary script execution within the Samsung Assistant process context. The issue is categorized under [NVD-CWE-noinfo] but aligns with Intent Redirection and Improper Export of Android Application Components patterns.
Root Cause
The receiver was declared with android:exported="true" or its equivalent default behavior without enforcing a signature-level permission or validating the calling package. Any installed application on the device can therefore send intents that reach the receiver. The receiver subsequently processes attacker-controlled data and invokes a script execution path without proper validation.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an attacker to install or run a malicious application on the same device. The malicious app constructs an explicit intent targeting the Samsung Assistant package and the exported SmartHomeWidgetReceiver class. The intent carries crafted extras that drive the receiver's logic to execute script content chosen by the attacker. The attack proceeds without user interaction once the malicious app runs locally.
No public proof-of-concept code or exploit is available for CVE-2026-21032. Technical details should be reviewed in the Samsung Mobile Security Advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-21032
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected intents delivered to the com.samsung.android.app.assistant package targeting SmartHomeWidgetReceiver
- Installation of unknown third-party applications shortly before anomalous Samsung Assistant activity
- Samsung Assistant process spawning script interpreters or making unusual outbound network calls
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Android devices and identify Samsung Assistant installations below version 9.3.14
- Use mobile threat defense tooling to flag applications that send intents to Samsung Assistant components
- Review Android logs (logcat) on managed devices for broadcast events targeting SmartHomeWidgetReceiver
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor Galaxy Store and enterprise mobility management dashboards for Samsung Assistant version compliance
- Alert on installation of unsigned or sideloaded applications on devices running Samsung Assistant
- Track Samsung's monthly security advisories for related receiver and intent-handling fixes
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-21032
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Samsung Assistant to version 9.3.14 or later through the Galaxy Store
- Restrict installation of untrusted third-party applications on devices that use Samsung Assistant
- Enforce mobile device management policies that block sideloading and unknown sources
Patch Information
Samsung released a fix in Samsung Assistant version 9.3.14. The patch corrects the export configuration of the SmartHomeWidgetReceiver component and adds validation on incoming intents. Refer to the Samsung Mobile Security Advisory for June 2026 for the official advisory.
Workarounds
- Uninstall or disable Samsung Assistant on devices where updating is not yet possible
- Limit user permission to install applications from outside the Galaxy Store and Google Play
- Audit installed applications and remove any untrusted packages until the update is applied
# Verify the installed Samsung Assistant version via ADB
adb shell dumpsys package com.samsung.android.app.assistant | grep versionName
# Confirm the package is updated to 9.3.14 or later before re-enabling use
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
