CVE-2026-20986 is a path traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22 found in the Chinese version of the Samsung Members mobile application prior to version 15.5.05.4. Path traversal vulnerabilities occur when an application improperly restricts file or directory access, allowing an attacker to manipulate file paths to access or overwrite files outside the intended directory. In this case, a local attacker can exploit the vulnerability to overwrite data within the Samsung Members app by crafting malicious pathnames. The vulnerability does not require authentication, user interaction, or elevated privileges, but it is limited to local attackers, meaning the attacker must have local access to the device. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates low attack complexity and no privileges required, but the impact is limited to integrity and availability with no confidentiality impact. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no patch links are currently available, suggesting the fix is pending or not publicly disclosed yet. The vulnerability could allow attackers to corrupt or manipulate app data, potentially affecting app functionality or user data stored by the app. Since the vulnerability is specific to the Chinese version of Samsung Members, it affects users who have installed this localized app variant, which may be present on devices imported or used by Chinese-speaking users in Europe. The vulnerability was reserved in December 2025 and published in February 2026, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-20986 is primarily related to data integrity and availability within the Samsung Members app on affected devices. Although the vulnerability requires local access, compromised devices could have their Samsung Members app data overwritten or corrupted, potentially disrupting app services or causing loss of user data managed by the app. This could indirectly affect user trust and device reliability. Organizations relying on Samsung devices for employee communication or support through the Samsung Members app might experience operational disruptions. Since the vulnerability does not allow remote exploitation or confidentiality breaches, the risk of widespread data leakage or remote compromise is low. However, in environments where devices are shared or physically accessible by untrusted individuals, the risk increases. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation. European entities with employees or customers using Chinese Samsung Members versions, especially in multinational companies or regions with significant Chinese expatriate populations, should be particularly vigilant.

1. Monitor Samsung’s official channels for the release of a patched version of the Chinese Samsung Members app (version 15.5.05.4 or later) and apply updates promptly once available. 2. Restrict physical and local access to devices running the vulnerable app to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 3. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce app version controls and prevent installation of vulnerable app versions. 4. Educate users about the risks of installing unofficial or region-specific app versions that may not receive timely security updates. 5. Implement device-level security controls such as strong authentication, device encryption, and screen locks to reduce unauthorized local access. 6. Regularly audit devices for installed app versions and remove or update any vulnerable instances of the Chinese Samsung Members app. 7. Consider isolating devices with the vulnerable app from sensitive networks or data to limit potential impact. 8. Maintain backups of critical user data to recover from potential data corruption caused by exploitation.