CVE-2022-39889 is an improper access control vulnerability identified in the Samsung Mobile GalaxyWatch4Plugin application, affecting versions prior to 2.2.11.22101351 and 2.2.12.22101351. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which pertains to insufficient enforcement of access control policies. Specifically, the flaw allows unauthorized attackers to access information from the wearable device without proper permissions. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or authentication, and can be exploited locally (AV:L - Attack Vector: Local), meaning the attacker must have local access to the device or the environment where the plugin is installed. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality by allowing unauthorized disclosure of wearable device information but does not affect integrity or availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.0 (medium severity), reflecting the limited scope and local attack vector. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no patches or updates are explicitly linked in the provided data, though fixed versions are indicated. The GalaxyWatch4Plugin is a companion application that facilitates communication and data synchronization between Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 devices and their paired smartphones, typically Samsung Galaxy mobile devices. The vulnerability could expose sensitive wearable data such as health metrics, notifications, or device identifiers to unauthorized local users or malicious applications with local access privileges. Given the local attack vector and lack of required user interaction, exploitation is feasible in scenarios where an attacker gains physical or local software access to the device or environment hosting the plugin. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict access control enforcement in companion applications managing sensitive wearable device data.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-39889 primarily concerns the confidentiality of sensitive wearable device information. Organizations that deploy Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 devices for employee health monitoring, secure communications, or productivity tracking could face risks of unauthorized data disclosure if devices or paired smartphones are accessed by malicious insiders or compromised local applications. While the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or system availability, the exposure of personal or organizational wearable data could lead to privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and potential reputational damage. The local attack vector limits remote exploitation, but in environments with shared or insufficiently secured devices, such as corporate offices or healthcare facilities, the risk of local unauthorized access increases. Additionally, organizations relying on wearable data for operational decisions or security monitoring may experience reduced trust in device security. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat levels, but the medium severity rating and potential for sensitive data exposure warrant proactive mitigation, especially in sectors handling sensitive personal or health data.

1. Update the GalaxyWatch4Plugin to versions 2.2.11.22101351 or later, or 2.2.12.22101351 or later, as these versions contain fixes for the improper access control vulnerability. 2. Enforce strict device access policies to limit local access to smartphones paired with Galaxy Watch 4 devices, including use of strong authentication and screen locks. 3. Restrict installation of untrusted or unnecessary applications on devices hosting the GalaxyWatch4Plugin to reduce risk of local privilege escalation or unauthorized access. 4. Implement endpoint security solutions that monitor and restrict local access attempts to sensitive wearable data or companion applications. 5. Educate employees about the risks of leaving devices unattended or sharing devices in environments where local attackers could gain access. 6. For organizations using wearable data in regulated contexts, conduct regular audits of device and application access controls to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. 7. Consider network segmentation and device management policies that isolate wearable device data flows and limit exposure to local threats. 8. Monitor vendor communications for official patches or advisories and apply updates promptly to maintain security posture.