CVE-2026-20971 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in the PROCA driver component of Samsung Mobile devices. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to the Samsung Mobile Security Release (SMR) January 2026 update. The flaw allows a local attacker with low privileges to exploit a memory management error where the driver incorrectly handles freed memory, leading to potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require local access to the device, which limits remote exploitation. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 7.3, reflecting high severity due to the potential for full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device. The attack complexity is high, and privileges required are low, indicating that while exploitation is not trivial, it is feasible for an attacker with some access. No public exploits or active exploitation campaigns have been reported yet. The vulnerability affects Samsung Mobile devices broadly, though specific affected versions are not detailed. The PROCA driver is a critical component, and exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining persistent control over the device or accessing sensitive data. The vulnerability is addressed in the SMR January 2026 release, but no direct patch links are provided in the data.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in sectors where Samsung Mobile devices are widely used for communication and operational purposes. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution on employee or operational devices, resulting in data breaches, espionage, or disruption of business processes. The compromise of mobile devices could also serve as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the local access requirement, the threat is more relevant to insider threats or attackers who gain physical or logical access to devices. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means sensitive corporate or governmental information could be exposed or manipulated. Critical infrastructure sectors relying on mobile communications, such as finance, government, and telecommunications, could face operational disruptions. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future exploitation. Organizations with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies or remote workforces using Samsung devices should be particularly vigilant.

1. Immediately apply the Samsung Mobile Security Release (SMR) January 2026 update as soon as it becomes available to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Implement strict device access controls to limit local access to Samsung Mobile devices, including enforcing strong authentication and physical security measures. 3. Monitor device logs and behavior for signs of exploitation attempts, such as unusual process executions or memory anomalies related to the PROCA driver. 4. Educate employees about the risks of local device compromise and enforce policies against unauthorized device usage or connection to untrusted networks. 5. For organizations with BYOD policies, consider restricting or isolating Samsung Mobile devices until patched. 6. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, deploy patches promptly, and remotely wipe compromised devices if necessary. 7. Coordinate with Samsung support channels to obtain official patches and security advisories. 8. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on mobile device security to detect potential exploitation vectors.