CVE-2026-33960 Overview
CVE-2026-33960 affects multiple Samsung Exynos Mobile and Wearable Processors. A malformed input/output control (ioctl) command sent to the Wi-Fi interface device triggers improper buffer size allocation. The flaw results in an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] that causes a denial of service (DoS) condition on the affected chipset.
The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges and high attack complexity. Exploitation does not disclose data or modify integrity, but it can crash the affected Wi-Fi subsystem.
Critical Impact
A local attacker able to issue crafted ioctl commands to the Wi-Fi interface can trigger an out-of-bounds write, leading to denial of service on Samsung Exynos-powered mobile and wearable devices.
Affected Products
- Samsung Mobile Processor Exynos 1330, 1380, 1480, 1580, and 1680
- Samsung Wearable Processor Exynos W920, W930, and W1000
- Devices incorporating the affected Exynos chipsets with the vulnerable Wi-Fi driver interface
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-33960 published to NVD
- 2026-09-14 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-33960
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Wi-Fi interface device driver bundled with affected Samsung Exynos Mobile and Wearable Processors. The driver exposes an ioctl handler that accepts commands from userland processes. When the handler receives a malformed command, it computes an incorrect buffer size for a subsequent write operation.
The undersized allocation causes the driver to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundary. This out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] corrupts adjacent kernel memory structures. The corruption typically produces a kernel panic and forces the device to restart or lose Wi-Fi functionality.
The issue is scoped as a denial-of-service condition. Confidentiality and integrity are not affected. However, the scope changes because a userland action affects the kernel Wi-Fi subsystem servicing other components.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of parameters supplied through the Wi-Fi ioctl interface. The driver trusts caller-provided sizing input and allocates a buffer smaller than the data ultimately written. This mismatch between allocated capacity and written length produces the out-of-bounds write.
Attack Vector
An attacker must have local access and the ability to open the Wi-Fi interface device and issue ioctl calls. On Android-based devices, this typically requires a compromised application with sufficient permissions, or code running with system-level access to the network device nodes. Remote exploitation over the network is not indicated in the advisory.
The vulnerability is described in the Samsung CVE-2026-33960 Advisory. No public proof-of-concept exploit code has been released.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-33960
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics or reboots correlated with Wi-Fi driver activity on Exynos-based devices
- Repeated Wi-Fi service restarts, interface resets, or loss of connectivity without user action
- Crash logs referencing the Wi-Fi ioctl handler or out-of-bounds memory access in the Wi-Fi driver
Detection Strategies
- Review mobile device management (MDM) telemetry for elevated crash rates on affected Exynos device models
- Inspect Android logcat and kernel dmesg output for KASAN or slab corruption reports tied to the Wi-Fi subsystem
- Track applications requesting unusual access to Wi-Fi device nodes or issuing high volumes of ioctl calls
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enroll affected devices in an MDM platform that reports firmware and patch level compliance
- Alert on repeated device reboots or Wi-Fi service failures across fleets of Exynos-powered handsets and wearables
- Correlate application install events with subsequent kernel instability to identify potentially malicious apps
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-33960
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all mobile and wearable devices running affected Samsung Exynos processors
- Apply the vendor security update as soon as Samsung publishes it for the target device SKU
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications on affected devices to reduce local attack surface
Patch Information
Samsung addresses Exynos processor vulnerabilities through its product security update program. Refer to Samsung Product Security Updates and the Samsung CVE-2026-33960 Advisory for firmware availability, affected build numbers, and remediation status per device.
Workarounds
- Limit application permissions that grant access to Wi-Fi device nodes and low-level network interfaces
- Disable Wi-Fi on affected devices when a patched build is not yet available and connectivity is not required
- Enforce enterprise application allow-lists to block installation of unvetted apps that could issue crafted ioctl calls
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
