CVE-2026-21034 Overview
CVE-2026-21034 is a medium-severity vulnerability in the Samsung Auto application for Android. The flaw stems from improper export of Android application components, allowing a local attacker with low privileges to modify audio configuration on the affected device. The issue affects Samsung Auto prior to 3.1.2.61 on Android 15 and prior to 3.2.0.38 on Android 16. Samsung addressed the vulnerability in its June 2026 mobile security update.
Critical Impact
A locally installed malicious application can interact with improperly exported components in Samsung Auto to alter audio configuration without user interaction.
Affected Products
- Samsung Auto on Android 15 prior to version 3.1.2.61
- Samsung Auto on Android 16 prior to version 3.2.0.38
- Samsung Galaxy devices running vulnerable Samsung Auto builds
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-05 - CVE-2026-21034 published to NVD
- 2026-06-05 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-21034
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a Mobile App Vulnerability category issue classified as Intent Redirection or improper component export. Android applications declare components such as activities, services, broadcast receivers, and content providers in their manifest. When these components are exported without proper access controls, other applications on the device can invoke them directly. Samsung Auto exposes one or more components that should not be accessible to third-party apps. A local attacker who installs a malicious app on the same device can call the exposed component to influence audio configuration handled by Samsung Auto.
Root Cause
The root cause is an Android manifest or runtime configuration that marks sensitive components as exported, or fails to enforce permission checks on intents that modify audio state. The component accepts external intents and applies configuration changes without verifying the caller's identity or signature. This violates the principle of least privilege between installed applications.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access through a co-resident application with low privileges and no user interaction. The malicious app crafts an explicit intent targeting the vulnerable Samsung Auto component and sends payload data that changes audio settings. The impact is limited to integrity of audio configuration. Confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, and the attack does not cross the application sandbox to other apps or system services. Refer to the Samsung Mobile Security Update for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-21034
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected audio configuration changes on devices with Samsung Auto installed below patched versions
- Recently installed third-party applications that send intents to Samsung Auto package components
- Logcat entries showing external intent delivery to internal Samsung Auto activities or receivers
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Samsung Auto versions across managed Android fleets and flag devices below 3.1.2.61 on Android 15 and 3.2.0.38 on Android 16
- Use mobile threat defense tooling to identify apps that target Samsung Auto components in their manifest queries or intent calls
- Review device logs for repeated intent invocations from non-Samsung packages to Samsung Auto components
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enroll affected devices in mobile device management (MDM) to enforce baseline app versioning and patch level
- Monitor for sideloaded applications on corporate devices using Samsung Auto in vehicle integrations
- Alert on unexpected audio policy or media routing changes outside user-initiated activity
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-21034
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Samsung Auto to version 3.1.2.61 or later on Android 15 devices
- Update Samsung Auto to version 3.2.0.38 or later on Android 16 devices
- Apply the June 2026 Samsung Mobile security maintenance release across managed devices
- Audit installed third-party applications and remove untrusted or sideloaded packages
Patch Information
Samsung addressed CVE-2026-21034 in the June 2026 security maintenance release. Patched builds are Samsung Auto 3.1.2.61 for Android 15 and 3.2.0.38 for Android 16. See the Samsung Mobile Security Update for distribution details.
Workarounds
- Disable or uninstall Samsung Auto on devices that cannot be updated immediately
- Restrict installation of third-party applications via MDM policy until patches are deployed
- Limit use of Samsung Auto integrations in environments where unvetted apps may be present
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
