CVE-2026-20975 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-280 (Improper Handling of Insufficient Permissions or Privileges) affecting Samsung Cloud on Samsung Mobile devices prior to version 5.6.11. The vulnerability allows a local attacker to bypass permission checks and access specific files located at arbitrary paths within the Samsung Cloud storage environment on the device. This occurs due to inadequate validation of user privileges when accessing files, which leads to unauthorized file access. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have local access to the device, but no authentication or user interaction is necessary to exploit it. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates low attack complexity and no privileges required, but the impact is limited to confidentiality with low impact on integrity and availability. There are no known exploits in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet, though the vulnerability is addressed in Samsung Cloud version 5.6.11 and later. This flaw could potentially expose sensitive user data stored in Samsung Cloud files to unauthorized local users, such as other users of a shared device or attackers with physical access. The vulnerability does not affect remote exploitation or network-based attacks, limiting its scope to local threat actors.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-20975 is generally low but not negligible. Organizations that issue Samsung mobile devices to employees or rely on Samsung Cloud for storing sensitive corporate data could face unauthorized local data disclosure if devices are lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized personnel. The vulnerability could lead to leakage of sensitive files stored in Samsung Cloud, potentially exposing confidential business information or personal data protected under GDPR. However, since exploitation requires local access and no remote attack vector exists, the risk is primarily physical or insider threat related. The low CVSS score reflects limited impact on system integrity and availability, reducing the likelihood of operational disruption. Nonetheless, organizations with high Samsung device usage should consider this vulnerability in their mobile device management and data protection policies to prevent unauthorized local access.

To mitigate CVE-2026-20975, European organizations should: 1) Ensure all Samsung mobile devices are updated to Samsung Cloud version 5.6.11 or later as soon as the patch is available. 2) Implement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized local access to devices, including device lock policies and secure storage. 3) Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce encryption and remote wipe capabilities on Samsung devices to protect data in case of loss or theft. 4) Educate users about the risks of sharing devices and the importance of locking devices when not in use. 5) Monitor device usage and access logs for unusual local access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6) Limit sensitive data storage on Samsung Cloud where possible, or use additional encryption layers for sensitive files. 7) Coordinate with Samsung support channels to receive timely updates and advisories regarding this vulnerability.