CVE-2026-20980 is a vulnerability categorized under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) found in Samsung Mobile devices, specifically in the PACM component before the SMR (Security Maintenance Release) February 2026 Release 1. The flaw arises from insufficient validation of input data, which enables a physical attacker with direct access to the device to execute arbitrary commands. The vulnerability does not require any authentication or user interaction, making it easier to exploit once physical access is obtained. The CVSS 4.0 vector (AV:P/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N) indicates that the attack vector is physical, attack complexity is low, no privileges or user interaction are required, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. This means an attacker can fully compromise the device’s security posture, potentially gaining control over sensitive data and device functionality. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the vulnerability’s nature and severity necessitate prompt attention. The lack of patch links suggests that the fix will be included in the upcoming SMR February 2026 update, emphasizing the importance of timely patch deployment. The vulnerability affects all Samsung Mobile devices running software versions prior to this update, though exact affected versions are not specified. The improper input validation flaw could be exploited by attackers who gain physical possession of the device, such as through theft or loss, to execute malicious commands, leading to data exfiltration, device manipulation, or denial of service.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Samsung Mobile devices in both personal and professional contexts. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized command execution, resulting in data breaches, loss of sensitive information, disruption of communication channels, and potential compromise of enterprise networks if devices are used as entry points. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that attackers could manipulate or destroy data, intercept communications, or render devices inoperable. Physical access requirement limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where devices are frequently handled by multiple individuals or left unattended. This vulnerability could also undermine trust in mobile device security, affecting compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. Organizations involved in critical infrastructure, finance, healthcare, and government sectors are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their data and operations. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the potential for rapid exploitation once patches are available or reverse-engineered is high.

1. Apply the SMR February 2026 Release 1 security update from Samsung as soon as it becomes available to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Enforce strict physical security policies to prevent unauthorized access to mobile devices, including secure storage, device tracking, and immediate reporting of lost or stolen devices. 3. Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to remotely monitor, lock, or wipe devices suspected of compromise. 4. Educate employees on the risks of physical device compromise and encourage vigilance in handling and securing their mobile devices. 5. Restrict sensitive operations and data access on mobile devices where possible, using strong authentication and encryption to limit damage if a device is physically compromised. 6. Regularly audit device inventories and usage patterns to detect anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Coordinate with Samsung support channels for timely updates and advisories related to this vulnerability. 8. Consider additional endpoint protection solutions that can detect unusual command execution or behavior on mobile devices.