CVE-2026-20974 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) impacting Samsung Mobile devices prior to the SMR (Security Maintenance Release) January 2026 Release 1. The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of input data related to network restrictions, specifically those enforcing Carrier Relock mechanisms. Carrier Relock is a security feature that restricts a mobile device to operate only on authorized carrier networks, preventing unauthorized unlocking and use on other networks. Due to improper input validation, a physical attacker with direct access to the device can manipulate the network restriction data to bypass the Carrier Relock feature. This bypass allows the attacker to unlock the device from its carrier restrictions without requiring authentication or user interaction. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates the attack requires physical access (AV:P), has low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges or user interaction needed, and impacts device integrity and availability significantly (VI:H, VA:H). The vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or require network access, limiting remote exploitation. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and Samsung has not yet published patches at the time of this report. The vulnerability affects all Samsung Mobile devices released before the January 2026 security update that implement Carrier Relock functionality. This flaw could be exploited to circumvent carrier restrictions, potentially leading to unauthorized use of mobile networks, fraud, or violation of carrier agreements.

For European organizations, particularly mobile network operators, device resellers, and enterprises issuing Samsung Mobile devices to employees, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized carrier unlocking. This could result in devices being used on unauthorized networks, causing revenue loss for carriers and complicating device management and compliance. Enterprises relying on carrier-locked devices for security or contractual reasons may face increased risk of device misuse or data leakage if devices are unlocked and used outside approved networks. Additionally, physical access requirements mean that lost or stolen devices are at higher risk of exploitation. The impact on confidentiality is minimal, but integrity and availability of carrier restrictions are compromised. This could undermine trust in device security and carrier agreements, especially in regulated sectors such as finance or government. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity rating indicates a need for prompt mitigation to prevent future abuse.

Organizations should prioritize applying the January 2026 SMR update from Samsung as soon as it becomes available to remediate this vulnerability. Until patches are deployed, enforcing strict physical security controls on Samsung Mobile devices is critical to prevent unauthorized physical access. Device management policies should include tracking and rapid reporting of lost or stolen devices. Enterprises should consider using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor device status and enforce security policies. Carrier operators should audit devices for unauthorized unlocking and implement detection mechanisms for devices operating outside authorized networks. Additionally, educating users about the risks of physical device loss and encouraging secure storage can reduce exploitation chances. Samsung and carriers should collaborate to enhance carrier lock mechanisms with stronger input validation and tamper resistance in future device firmware releases.