CVE-2018-21042Network attack vector

Privileged code execution via arbitrary APK installation

Published Apr 8, 2020 · Updated Aug 5, 2024

Missing authorization in Samsung Dual Messenger on Android 7.x, 8.x, and 9.0 allows attackers to install an arbitrary APK with privileges. Published records do not identify the Dual Messenger authorization check or APK-installation path that accepts the untrusted package. The record does not disclose whether a malicious app, user action, or another prerequisite is required; successful exploitation executes attacker code with elevated privileges.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability0.63%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Missing authorization in Samsung Dual Messenger on Android 7.x, 8.x, and 9.0 allows attackers to install an arbitrary APK with privileges. Published records do not identify the Dual Messenger authorization check or APK-installation path that accepts the untrusted package. The record does not disclose whether a malicious app, user action, or another prerequisite is required; successful exploitation executes attacker code with elevated privileges.

The record

CVE
CVE-2018-21042
Published
Apr 8, 2020
Updated
Aug 5, 2024
Vendor
Unknown vendor
Product
Unknown product
Classifications
CWE-862, T1404
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Apr 8, 2020CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 5, 2024Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Affected buildAffected product and version details are unavailable.

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.

Published CVSS scores

9.8NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
7.5NIST NVDAV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 9, 2026Sep 15, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 15, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-862Missing Authorization
T1404Exploitation for Privilege Escalation

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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