CVE-2026-20982 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in the ShortcutService component of Samsung Mobile Devices prior to the SMR (Security Maintenance Release) February 2026 Release 1. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-35, which involves improper neutralization of special elements used in a path, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths. In this case, a privileged local attacker can exploit the flaw to create or overwrite files with system-level privileges by traversing directories beyond intended boundaries. This can lead to unauthorized file creation or modification, potentially compromising system integrity or availability. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have privileged local access, meaning they must already have elevated permissions on the device. No user interaction is required to exploit the vulnerability, and it does not affect confidentiality directly but can impact system integrity and availability by allowing unauthorized file operations. The CVSS 4.0 score of 6.8 reflects a medium severity, with the attack vector being local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required beyond high privileges (PR:H), no user interaction (UI:N), and high impact on confidentiality (VC:H) but no impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and Samsung has reserved the CVE and published the advisory with the expectation that users apply the SMR February 2026 update to remediate the issue.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily in environments where Samsung mobile devices are used with privileged local access, such as corporate mobile device management (MDM) scenarios or devices used by administrators. Exploitation could allow attackers with existing elevated privileges to escalate their control by creating or modifying system files, potentially leading to persistent malware installation, disruption of device functionality, or bypassing security controls. This could impact confidentiality if sensitive system files are manipulated, and availability if critical system components are overwritten or corrupted. The lack of remote exploitation limits the threat to scenarios involving insider threats or compromised devices. However, given the widespread use of Samsung devices in Europe, especially in business and government sectors, the vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a multi-stage attack chain. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future exploitation once the vulnerability is publicly known.

1. Apply the Samsung Mobile Security Maintenance Release (SMR) February 2026 update as soon as it becomes available to ensure the vulnerability is patched. 2. Restrict privileged local access on Samsung mobile devices to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of insider exploitation. 3. Implement strict mobile device management (MDM) policies that limit installation of unauthorized applications and monitor for suspicious file creation activities. 4. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting anomalous file system activities on mobile devices. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of privilege misuse and enforce strong authentication and access controls on devices. 6. Regularly audit device configurations and logs for signs of exploitation attempts or unauthorized privilege escalations. 7. Consider isolating critical mobile devices or using hardware-backed security features to reduce the impact of local privilege abuse.