CVE-2026-21079 Overview
CVE-2026-21079 is a missing encryption of sensitive data vulnerability [CWE-311] in Samsung Smart Switch prior to version 3.7.72.6. The flaw allows adjacent network attackers to intercept data transmitted by the application during device-to-device transfers. Because the affected data path lacks encryption, an attacker positioned on the same local network segment can capture sensitive content in transit. Samsung published a security advisory addressing the issue and released a fixed version of Smart Switch.
Critical Impact
Adjacent network attackers can intercept sensitive user data transmitted by Smart Switch, exposing confidentiality, integrity, and availability of transferred content.
Affected Products
- Samsung Smart Switch versions prior to 3.7.72.6
- Mobile devices using vulnerable Smart Switch builds for data migration
- Wi-Fi transfer sessions initiated by affected Smart Switch clients
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-10 - CVE-2026-21079 published to NVD
- 2026-08-10 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-21079
Vulnerability Analysis
Smart Switch transfers user data between mobile devices over a local network. Prior to version 3.7.72.6, the application transmits sensitive data without applying encryption to the transport channel. Any attacker with adjacent network access, such as a shared Wi-Fi segment, can observe the traffic and reconstruct the transferred content.
The weakness is categorized under [CWE-311: Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data]. Exploitation does not require code execution on the target device. Instead, the attacker leverages passive interception techniques against unprotected traffic. User interaction is required because a migration session must be initiated by the victim.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of a cryptographic transport layer for sensitive payloads sent by Smart Switch during transfer operations. Data that should be protected with authenticated encryption traverses the network in a form accessible to any host on the same broadcast domain or wireless network.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is Adjacent Network. An attacker joins the same local or wireless network used for the Smart Switch transfer session. The attacker then captures traffic between the two endpoints using standard packet capture tooling. Because no encryption protects the payload, contents such as contacts, messages, or media transferred by the user can be extracted from captured frames. Refer to the Samsung Security Advisory for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-21079
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected hosts joining the wireless network segment during Smart Switch transfer sessions
- Packet captures showing plaintext Smart Switch protocol traffic on ports used for device migration
- ARP spoofing or rogue access point activity coinciding with device migration events
Detection Strategies
- Inspect wireless network telemetry for unauthorized devices present during migration windows
- Monitor mobile device management (MDM) inventory for Smart Switch versions earlier than 3.7.72.6
- Flag Smart Switch traffic observed on untrusted or guest wireless networks
Monitoring Recommendations
- Correlate wireless association logs with user-reported Smart Switch usage
- Alert on promiscuous mode adapters or packet capture tooling active on managed endpoints
- Track advisory feeds from the Samsung Security Advisory portal for subsequent updates
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-21079
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Samsung Smart Switch to version 3.7.72.6 or later on all mobile devices
- Instruct users to avoid initiating Smart Switch transfers on public or untrusted Wi-Fi networks
- Verify managed device inventories to confirm vulnerable versions are no longer in use
Patch Information
Samsung addressed CVE-2026-21079 in Smart Switch version 3.7.72.6. Users should install the update through the official Samsung distribution channel referenced in the Samsung Security Advisory.
Workarounds
- Perform Smart Switch transfers only on isolated networks with no untrusted clients
- Use wired transfer options where available instead of wireless migration
- Enforce policy that prohibits Smart Switch use until the fixed version is deployed
# Configuration example: verify Smart Switch version via adb
adb shell dumpsys package com.sec.android.easyMover | grep versionName
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
