Which versions of Smart Switch are affected by CVE-2026-20998?

Samsung Smart Switch contains an authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-20998) that could allow attackers to access sensitive device and user data without proper credentials.

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2026-20998?

Within 24 hours: Inventory all Smart Switch deployments and identify affected versions (prior to 3.7.69.15). Within 7 days: Restrict Smart Switch access to trusted networks only, disable remote access where possible, and communicate findings to device users. Within 30 days: Monitor Samsung security advisories for patch availability and establish a deployment plan; consider alternative device management solutions if patching remains unavailable.

Smart Switch CVE-2026-20998

Q: What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-20998?

CVE-2026-20998 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: 0.3%.

EUVD-2026-12313 HIGH

2026-03-16 SamsungMobile

Authentication Bypass Smart Switch

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

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

Attack Vector

Network

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

None

User Interaction

Scope

Lifecycle Timeline

EUVD ID Assigned

Mar 16, 2026 - 05:00 euvd

EUVD-2026-12313

Analysis Generated

Mar 16, 2026 - 05:00 vuln.today

CVE Published

Mar 16, 2026 - 04:32 nvd

HIGH 7.1

DescriptionCVE.org

Improper authentication in Smart Switch prior to version 3.7.69.15 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication.

AnalysisAI

Samsung Smart Switch versions prior to 3.7.69.15 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to circumvent security controls. This vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to the application without valid credentials. No patch is currently available for this high-severity issue.

Technical ContextAI

Smart Switch is Samsung's data transfer and backup software used to migrate content between mobile devices and computers. The vulnerability stems from improper authentication implementation, though no specific CWE classification was provided. Without a CWE mapping, the exact authentication bypass mechanism remains unclear, but common patterns include missing authentication checks, weak session management, or flawed credential validation. The network-based attack vector (AV:N) indicates the vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring local access to the affected system.

RemediationAI

Update Samsung Smart Switch to version 3.7.69.15 or later immediately to address this authentication bypass vulnerability. The patch is available through Samsung's official Smart Switch download page or through automatic updates within the application. Until patching is complete, users should avoid using Smart Switch on untrusted networks and be cautious of any unexpected authentication prompts or behaviors when using the application. Given the user interaction requirement for exploitation, maintaining awareness during Smart Switch sessions provides an additional layer of protection.