CVE-2026-21032: Samsung Assistant SmartHomeWidgetReceiver Arbitrary Script Execution (7.1 HIGH)

Technical summary

CVE-2026-21032 stems from improper export of Android application components within the SmartHomeWidgetReceiver class in Samsung Assistant. The vulnerability allows a local attacker with limited privileges (non-root) to invoke unexported or inadequately protected broadcast receivers or intents, leading to arbitrary script execution. The attack surface is local-only, requires user-level permissions, and does not require user interaction (UI:N). While confidentiality and integrity impacts are high, the vulnerability does not achieve privilege escalation to system level or cause denial of service.

Business impact

Organizations deploying Samsung Assistant on managed Android devices face risk of unauthorized script execution that could compromise device integrity, access sensitive data stored on or accessible through the device, and potentially facilitate lateral movement within connected smart home ecosystems. The high confidentiality and integrity scores indicate attackers could exfiltrate credentials, configuration data, or manipulate device behavior without user awareness.

Affected systems

Samsung Assistant versions prior to 9.3.14 are vulnerable. Organizations should audit deployed instances across all Android devices running the affected application version. Identify which devices have administrative access or access to sensitive smart home infrastructure.

Exploitability

This vulnerability has a low attack complexity and requires only local access—typical for a device already in an attacker's physical possession or compromised through another vector. The CVSS score of 7.1 (HIGH) reflects the combination of local access requirement and significant data/integrity impact. It is not currently listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, though its exposure of core Android IPC mechanisms makes exploitation straightforward for technically capable actors.

Remediation

Update Samsung Assistant to version 9.3.14 or later. This patched version corrects the improper export configuration, restricting the SmartHomeWidgetReceiver to intended callers only. Verify the update through Samsung's official distribution channels or your device management platform.

Patch guidance

Deploy Samsung Assistant version 9.3.14 or newer. For organizations managing multiple Android devices, use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce automatic updates or scheduled deployment windows. Test the patch in a non-production environment first to confirm compatibility with your smart home integration workflows. Monitor deployment logs to confirm successful patching across your fleet.

Detection guidance

Monitor application logs for unexpected intent calls or broadcast receiver invocations targeting Samsung Assistant components, particularly SmartHomeWidgetReceiver. On Android devices, review SELinux denials or capability-based access logs for unauthorized inter-process communication (IPC). If available, enable strict mode logging in Samsung Assistant to catch unexpected component access. Behavioral monitoring for unusual script execution from the Assistant process should be configured on endpoints with logging capabilities.

Why prioritize this

Classify this vulnerability as HIGH priority for remediation within your Android estate. The vulnerability combines high-impact confidentiality and integrity risks with low exploitation complexity. While local access is required, any device with this version running on a network with untrusted users, shared devices, or prevalent malware variants that could trigger the flaw warrants accelerated patching. Smart home devices that manage physical security or critical automation are particularly sensitive.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.1 reflects: local attack vector with low complexity, limited privilege requirement, no user interaction needed, and high impacts to confidentiality and integrity. The absence of availability impact (due to lack of denial-of-service capability) and no system-wide privilege escalation keep the score below 8.0, but the ease of exploitation and data sensitivity place it firmly in the HIGH severity band.

Frequently asked questions