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CVE-2026-21023 Samsung Mobile CVE debrief

CVE-2026-21023 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting PackageManagerService on Samsung Android devices prior to SMR Mar-2026 Release 1. The vulnerability allows local attackers to modify installation restrictions of specific applications due to insufficient verification of data authenticity. This issue impacts devices with vulnerable versions of Android, specifically those supporting PackageManagerService.

Vendor
Samsung Mobile
Product
Samsung Mobile Devices
CVSS
MEDIUM 6.9
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-04-29
Original CVE updated
2026-10-26
Advisory published
2026-04-29
Advisory updated
2026-10-26

Who should care

Defenders responsible for Samsung Android devices, particularly those supporting PackageManagerService, should assess exposure and apply the March 2026 security update or later to address the vulnerability.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-21023 is a medium-severity vulnerability in PackageManagerService on Samsung Android devices prior to SMR Mar-2026 Release 1. It allows local attackers to modify installation restrictions due to insufficient verification of data authenticity. Defenders should apply the March 2026 security update or later and inventory vulnerable devices.

  • Local attackers can modify application installation restrictions
  • Potential for unauthorized application installations
  • Elevation of privileges on vulnerable devices
  • Compensating controls may be needed until patching

Technical summary

The vulnerability CVE-2026-21023 exists in PackageManagerService on Samsung Android devices prior to SMR Mar-2026 Release 1. It allows local attackers to modify installation restrictions of specific applications due to insufficient verification of data authenticity.

Defensive priority

Apply the March 2026 security update or later to address the insufficient verification of data authenticity in PackageManagerService, which could allow local attackers to modify application installation restrictions.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the March 2026 security update or later
  • Inventory vulnerable Samsung Android devices supporting PackageManagerService
  • Verify installation restrictions on critical devices
  • Monitor for local attacks on vulnerable devices

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD details indicate that the vulnerability exists in PackageManagerService on Samsung Android devices prior to SMR Mar-2026 Release 1. The issue allows local attackers to modify installation restrictions due to insufficient verification of data authenticity.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-21023 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-21023

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-21023 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-21023

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.