Which versions of Smart Switch are affected by CVE-2026-20996?

Samsung Smart Switch users face a cryptographic downgrade vulnerability (CVE-2026-20996) that could expose sensitive data during device transfers if exploited by attackers on the network.

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2026-20996?

Within 24 hours: Inventory Samsung devices using Smart Switch and assess frequency of device-to-device transfers in your environment. Within 7 days: Issue guidance to users recommending they avoid public/untrusted networks during Smart Switch operations and consider postponing non-critical device transfers. Within 30 days: Monitor Samsung security advisories for patch availability and establish a deployment plan; evaluate alternative device migration methods if available.

Smart Switch CVE-2026-20996

Q: What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-20996?

CVE-2026-20996 has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 7.1 (High). CVSS vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X. EPSS exploitation probability: 0.2%.

EUVD-2026-12309 HIGH

Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm (CWE-327)

2026-03-16 SamsungMobile

Information Disclosure Smart Switch Samsung Mobile

7.1

CVSS 4.0 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

7.1 HIGH

CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

Attack Vector

Network

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

None

User Interaction

Scope

Lifecycle Timeline

EUVD ID Assigned

Mar 16, 2026 - 05:00 euvd

EUVD-2026-12309

Analysis Generated

Mar 16, 2026 - 05:00 vuln.today

CVE Published

Mar 16, 2026 - 04:32 nvd

HIGH 7.1

DescriptionCVE.org

Use of a broken or risky cryptographic algorithm in Smart Switch prior to version 3.7.69.15 allows remote attackers to configure a downgraded scheme for authentication.

AnalysisAI

A cryptographic downgrade vulnerability in Samsung Smart Switch allows remote attackers to force the application to use weak authentication schemes during device-to-device transfers. The vulnerability affects Smart Switch versions prior to 3.7.69.15 and requires user interaction to exploit, potentially exposing sensitive data during the transfer process between Samsung devices. With a CVSS 4.0 score of 7.1 and no current evidence of active exploitation or public proof-of-concept code, this represents a moderate risk primarily to Samsung device users performing data migrations.

Technical ContextAI

Smart Switch is Samsung's official data transfer application used to migrate content between mobile devices, particularly when users upgrade to new Samsung phones. The vulnerability stems from the use of broken or risky cryptographic algorithms that can be manipulated by attackers to downgrade the authentication scheme used during device pairing and data transfer. While no specific CWE identifier is assigned, this vulnerability class typically relates to insufficient cryptographic strength (similar to CWE-326) or improper certificate validation, allowing attackers on the same network to intercept and potentially modify the authentication handshake between devices.

RemediationAI

Update Samsung Smart Switch to version 3.7.69.15 or later immediately through the Google Play Store, Galaxy Store, or Apple App Store depending on your device platform. For environments where immediate patching is not possible, advise users to only perform Smart Switch transfers on trusted networks, avoid public WiFi during device migrations, and verify the authenticity of connection requests during the transfer process. Enterprise environments should consider blocking older Smart Switch versions through mobile device management policies until all devices can be updated to the patched version.