CVE-2026-21036 Overview
CVE-2026-21036 is an improper authorization vulnerability in Samsung Internet browser versions prior to 30.0.0.39. The flaw allows a local attacker on an affected device to access sensitive information stored or processed by the browser. The vulnerability requires low privileges and no user interaction, but the attack vector is restricted to local access. Samsung addressed the issue in its June 2026 mobile security maintenance release.
Critical Impact
A local attacker with low-level privileges on the device can bypass authorization checks in Samsung Internet to read sensitive browser data, with potential downstream impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of dependent subsystems.
Affected Products
- Samsung Internet browser versions prior to 30.0.0.39
- Samsung mobile devices shipping Samsung Internet as the default or installed browser
- Android devices with Samsung Internet installed from the Galaxy Store or Google Play
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-05 - CVE-2026-21036 published to NVD
- 2026-06-05 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-21036
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified as improper authorization in the Samsung Internet browser. Authorization checks within the application fail to adequately restrict access to sensitive resources when invoked from a local context. An attacker who already has low-privilege code execution on the device, such as through a co-installed malicious application, can interact with the browser in a manner that bypasses the intended access controls.
The scope characteristics indicate that the impact extends beyond the browser itself. A successful exploit can affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of subsequent system components that trust data sourced from the browser. The vulnerability requires no user interaction once the attacker has local access.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient authorization enforcement on a code path that exposes sensitive information. Samsung's advisory identifies the defect class as improper authorization without disclosing the specific component, intent handler, or content provider involved. The condition is fully addressed in Samsung Internet 30.0.0.39.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access to the device and low-privilege execution, typically in the form of a malicious or compromised application running on the same Android instance. The attacker invokes the vulnerable interface exposed by Samsung Internet to retrieve information that should be restricted. No user interaction is required, and exploitation does not require network connectivity. Refer to the Samsung Mobile Security Bulletin for vendor-supplied technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-21036
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected interprocess communication between third-party applications and the com.sec.android.app.sbrowser package
- Anomalous reads from Samsung Internet content providers or unexpected access to browser data directories
- Newly installed or sideloaded applications requesting broad permissions shortly before suspicious browser activity
Detection Strategies
- Inventory installed Samsung Internet versions across the mobile fleet and flag any instance below 30.0.0.39
- Use mobile device management (MDM) compliance policies to alert on outdated Samsung Internet builds
- Review application install telemetry for unsigned or sideloaded APKs that target browser interfaces
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward MDM and mobile threat defense telemetry to a centralized analytics platform for version and behavior correlation
- Monitor Android logcat and audit events for repeated authorization failures originating from Samsung Internet components
- Track Samsung Mobile Security Bulletin releases to ensure timely identification of related advisories
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-21036
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Samsung Internet to version 30.0.0.39 or later through the Galaxy Store or Google Play
- Enforce minimum browser version requirements through MDM compliance rules on managed devices
- Audit installed applications and remove untrusted or sideloaded apps that may serve as local attack platforms
Patch Information
Samsung addressed CVE-2026-21036 in Samsung Internet 30.0.0.39. Update details are available in the Samsung Mobile Security Bulletin for June 2026. No additional configuration changes are required after applying the update.
Workarounds
- Restrict installation of third-party applications on devices that cannot immediately receive the update
- Use an alternative, fully patched browser on affected devices until Samsung Internet is updated
- Apply MDM policies that block sideloading and enforce Google Play Protect verification
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
