CVE-2026-21038: Samsung Android USB Driver Out-of-Bounds Memory Read Vulnerability

Technical summary

This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the Samsung Android USB Driver for Windows (versions prior to 1.9.5.0), classified under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read). The flaw permits a local attacker with user-level privileges to craft malicious input that bypasses validation logic, resulting in out-of-bounds memory access. The attack surface is local only; remote exploitation is not possible. The confidentiality impact is rated high, meaning sensitive kernel or process memory could be disclosed to an unprivileged process.

Business impact

Organizations deploying Samsung Android devices with Windows-based development or management tools face data exposure risk. The vulnerability enables information disclosure—potential exfiltration of encryption keys, credentials, or other sensitive data resident in adjacent memory regions. While the direct attack requires local access, it could serve as a stepping stone in multi-stage compromise scenarios. The threat is elevated in environments where development teams routinely connect Samsung devices to Windows workstations.

Affected systems

Samsung Android USB Driver for Windows versions prior to 1.9.5.0 are vulnerable. This driver is installed on Windows systems used to interface with Samsung Android devices (for file transfer, debugging, or device management). Any Windows workstation or server running an affected version of the driver is at risk if a local user account exists on that system.

Exploitability

Exploitability is constrained by access requirements. An attacker must have local access to the Windows system and an authenticated user session (PR:L in the CVSS vector). No user interaction is required once access is established. The attack vector is local (AV:L), and attack complexity is low (AC:L), meaning the vulnerability is straightforward to trigger given initial access. However, remote exploitation is not feasible. Public exploit code or proof-of-concept details are not known to be in active circulation, reducing near-term mass exploitation risk.

Remediation

Upgrade Samsung Android USB Driver for Windows to version 1.9.5.0 or later. This patch version addresses the input validation flaw. Users should check the official Samsung support site or Windows Device Manager for driver updates. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible, restrict local user account creation and enforce strong access controls on workstations where the driver is installed.

Patch guidance

Download and install Samsung Android USB Driver for Windows version 1.9.5.0 or newer from Samsung's official support portal or through Windows Update. Verify the installed driver version via Device Manager (Devices and Printers > Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers > Samsung Android USB Driver > Properties > Driver tab). Organizations managing multiple workstations should test the patch in a non-production environment first, then deploy via group policy or system management tools. No driver-specific reboot is typically required, but a system restart may be needed depending on the update mechanism used.

Detection guidance

Monitor for driver version compliance using vulnerability scanning tools or inventory management systems that query installed driver versions on Windows hosts. Flag any Samsung Android USB Driver versions prior to 1.9.5.0. Additionally, monitor Windows Security Event Logs for unusual local process behavior, particularly access to driver-related system objects or memory access anomalies. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) platforms may flag unexpected out-of-bounds memory access patterns if behavioral monitoring is enabled.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability is rated MEDIUM severity (CVSS 5.5) and is not listed on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating no confirmed active exploitation. However, it should be prioritized in environments with high concentrations of Windows workstations used for Samsung device management or development. The information disclosure risk—particularly in settings handling sensitive data—justifies prompt patching. Organizations with strong access control and limited local user accounts face lower practical risk.

Risk score, explained

CVSS 3.1 score of 5.5 reflects the combination of local-only attack vector, low complexity, required user-level privileges, and high confidentiality impact. The score does not account for integrity or availability compromise. In environments where local access is tightly controlled or the driver is not widely deployed, real-world risk is lower. Conversely, developer-heavy environments or shared lab systems elevate practical risk despite the moderate base score.

Frequently asked questions