CVE-2026-21034: Samsung Auto Audio Configuration Exposure (LOW Severity)

Technical summary

CVE-2026-21034 stems from inadequate access controls on exported Android application components within Samsung Auto. The affected versions fail to properly restrict which applications or system processes can access and modify audio configuration parameters. An attacker with local access and limited privileges can invoke exported components to alter audio settings. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N) reflects that the attack requires local presence, low complexity, user-level privileges, no user interaction, and results in isolated integrity impact.

Business impact

End users running affected Samsung Auto versions may experience unexpected audio configuration changes without initiating them. This could disrupt user experience in voice call quality, navigation prompts, or media playback settings. The impact is primarily operational rather than data-exposing; no sensitive information is leaked and system functionality remains intact. Organizations deploying Samsung Auto fleet management or connected vehicle solutions should assess whether unauthorized audio configuration changes pose operational or safety concerns in their use cases.

Affected systems

Samsung Auto versions 3.1.2.60 and earlier on Android 15, and Samsung Auto versions 3.2.0.37 and earlier on Android 16 are vulnerable. The vulnerability requires local access to the device, meaning it affects users or other applications installed on the same Android device. Remote exploitation is not possible.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires local device access and the ability to run code with user-level permissions. No user interaction is needed once the attacker can execute code on the device. The attack surface is limited to local applications or processes with standard user privileges, making this scenario typical in multi-app Android environments or for physically compromised devices. No public exploit code or active exploitation is documented in the KEV catalog.

Remediation

Samsung Auto users on Android 15 should upgrade to version 3.1.2.61 or later. Android 16 users should upgrade to version 3.2.0.38 or later. These patched versions properly restrict access to exported audio configuration components. Verify patch availability through your device's Samsung Auto app store listing or your vehicle's infotainment system update mechanism.

Patch guidance

Check your current Samsung Auto version under app settings or the device's about screen. For Android 15 devices, confirm your version is 3.1.2.61 or newer; for Android 16, ensure 3.2.0.38 or newer is installed. Updates may be automatic if your device has app auto-update enabled, or may be manually installable via the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store depending on your vehicle platform. Verify completion by re-checking the version number post-update.

Detection guidance

Monitor for attempts to access exported Samsung Auto components via system logs or Android app analysis tools. Look for unexpected modifications to audio configuration files or settings outside the normal user interaction pattern. On managed device environments, track Samsung Auto version inventory to identify devices still running 3.1.2.60 or earlier (Android 15) or 3.2.0.37 or earlier (Android 16). Local endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools that track privilege escalation or unusual inter-process communication may flag suspicious attempts to alter audio settings without app invocation.

Why prioritize this

While rated LOW severity, this vulnerability warrants attention in environments where audio integrity is operationally important—such as fleet management systems relying on navigation audio or emergency call systems. The low barrier to exploitation (user-level access, no user interaction) and the ease of patching make this a candidate for standard update cadence scheduling. It should not be treated as urgent but should be included in regular maintenance windows.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 3.3 reflects limited impact scope: the attack vector is strictly local, requires existing user privileges, and only affects audio configuration integrity. No confidentiality breach, no system availability impact, and no lateral privilege escalation are possible through this vulnerability alone. This places it squarely in the LOW severity band, though organizations should still apply patches as part of routine hardening.

Frequently asked questions