CVE-2026-21021: Improper input validation in Routines prior to SMR May-2026 Release 1 allows physical attackers to launch priv

Routine

MEDIUM 6.8MITIGATE

CVE-2026-21021 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting android. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Improper input validation in Routines prior to SMR May-2026 Release 1 allows physical attackers to launch privileged activity.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
Attack vector	Physical
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 89%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2026-05-13
Last modified	2026-10-26

Publisher (CNA): Samsung Mobile · Vendor: samsung

Last updated 2026-10-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-13 06:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 17:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

samsung android MITIGATE

Affected: 16.0 · 16.0 smr-apr-2026-r1 · 16.0 smr-aug-2025-r1 · 16.0 smr-dec-2025-r1 · 16.0 smr-feb-2026-r1 · 16.0 smr-jan-2026-r1 · 16.0 smr-mar-2026-r1 · 16.0 smr-nov-2025-r1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 16.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-21021?

android: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-21021 being exploited?

CVE-2026-21021 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-21021 affect?

CVE-2026-21021 affects android. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). Improper input validation in Routines prior to SMR May-2026 Release 1 allows physical attackers to launch privileged activity.

How urgent is CVE-2026-21021?

Priority 27/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

Android vulnerabilities · Samsung vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-21015 MEDIUM 5.5 MITIGATE Incorrect default permissions in FactoryCamera prior to SMR May-2026 Release 1 allows local attacker to access
CVE-2026-21016 MEDIUM 5.5 MITIGATE Incorrect privilege assignment in LocationManager prior to SMR May-2026 Release 1 allows local attackers to ac
CVE-2026-21020 HIGH 7.8 MITIGATE Improper export of android application components in OmaCP prior to SMR May-2026 Release 1 allows local attack
CVE-2026-21018 MEDIUM 6.7 MITIGATE Out-of-bounds write in SveService prior to SMR May-2026 Release 1 allows local privileged attackers to execute
CVE-2026-21022 MEDIUM 5.5 MITIGATE Improper handling of insufficient permissions in Routines prior to SMR May-2026 Release 1 allows local attacke

References

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