CVE-2026-21055 Overview
CVE-2026-21055 affects Samsung Bixby versions prior to 4.0.70.8. The vulnerability stems from improper export of Android application components within the Bixby app. Local attackers can invoke these exported components to execute arbitrary commands with Bixby privileges. The flaw requires no user interaction and no prior authentication on the target device. Samsung addressed the issue in its July 2026 mobile security maintenance release.
Critical Impact
Local attackers can execute arbitrary commands with Bixby application privileges, enabling access to sensitive data and functionality tied to the assistant on affected Samsung devices.
Affected Products
- Samsung Bixby versions prior to 4.0.70.8
- Samsung Galaxy devices running vulnerable Bixby builds
- Android application components exported by the Bixby package
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-10 - CVE-2026-21055 published to NVD
- 2026-07-11 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-21055
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an improper export of Android application components in Samsung Bixby. Android components such as activities, services, broadcast receivers, and content providers can be declared exported in the app manifest. When exported without adequate permission checks or intent validation, other apps on the device can invoke them directly. In Bixby prior to 4.0.70.8, one or more components accept intents from external callers and perform privileged operations without enforcing caller identity. A local attacker who has installed an unprivileged app on the device can craft intents targeting these components. The receiving component then executes commands under the Bixby UID, granting access to resources the assistant is authorized to use.
Root Cause
The root cause is a mobile-specific access control weakness. Bixby components declared android:exported="true" lack a matching android:permission attribute or runtime caller verification. This is a classic intent redirection and improper access control pattern in Android applications.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access. A malicious or repackaged Android application installed on the same device sends a crafted Intent to the exposed Bixby component. Because the component runs with Bixby privileges, the attacker's payload inherits those privileges without prompting the user.
No verified public exploit code is available. See the Samsung Mobile Security Advisory for vendor-provided technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-21055
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Intent traffic from third-party applications targeting Bixby package components
- Installation of unverified APKs shortly before anomalous Bixby activity
- Bixby-privileged processes spawning commands unrelated to normal assistant workflows
Detection Strategies
- Enumerate installed Bixby versions across the mobile fleet and flag builds earlier than 4.0.70.8
- Inspect Android logs (logcat) for cross-app intent delivery to Bixby components originating from non-system UIDs
- Use Mobile Threat Defense tooling to identify apps that programmatically target Samsung system packages
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track Samsung security bulletin compliance for all managed Galaxy devices through MDM reporting
- Alert on installation of sideloaded APKs on devices that hold sensitive corporate data
- Correlate mobile telemetry with endpoint and identity events to detect follow-on activity after local privilege abuse
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-21055
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Samsung Bixby to version 4.0.70.8 or later through the Galaxy Store
- Apply the Samsung July 2026 security maintenance release (SMR) to all managed devices
- Restrict installation of unknown-source applications via MDM policy
Patch Information
Samsung fixed the improper component export in Bixby 4.0.70.8. Details are published in the Samsung Mobile Security Advisory for July 2026. Devices receive the update through Galaxy Store auto-update or through the standard Samsung SMR channel.
Workarounds
- Disable or uninstall Bixby on devices that cannot immediately receive the patched version
- Enforce MDM controls that block sideloading and require Play Protect or Knox attestation
- Audit installed applications and remove any package requesting broad access to Samsung system components
# Verify Bixby version on a connected device via adb
adb shell dumpsys package com.samsung.android.bixby.agent | grep versionName
# Expected output should show versionName=4.0.70.8 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
