CVE-2026-0016 Overview
CVE-2026-0016 is a permissions bypass vulnerability in the Android CredentialManagerService component. The flaw resides in the updateProvidersWhenServiceRemoved method of CredentialManagerService.java. An attacker with local access can override settings across user profiles on the device. Google rates this issue as low severity, with no user interaction required for exploitation. The vulnerability falls under CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management and can lead to local information disclosure without requiring additional execution privileges.
Critical Impact
Local information disclosure through cross-user settings override in Android CredentialManagerService, requiring local low-privilege access and no user interaction.
Affected Products
- Google Android 16.0
- Google Android 16.0 QPR2 Beta 1, Beta 2, Beta 3
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-01 - Google publishes Android Security Bulletin addressing CVE-2026-0016
- 2026-06-01 - CVE-2026-0016 published to NVD
- 2026-06-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-0016
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the updateProvidersWhenServiceRemoved method of CredentialManagerService.java. This component manages credential providers within the Android Credential Manager framework. The method fails to enforce proper permission checks when a service is removed. An attacker can leverage this gap to override settings that belong to other user profiles on the device. Exploitation requires only local access with low privileges. The result is information disclosure across user boundaries, violating Android's multi-user isolation model. The issue is categorized under CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing or insufficient permission check within the provider update routine triggered on service removal. The method does not validate that the calling user has authority to modify settings belonging to other users. This permits a local app to influence credential provider configuration outside its assigned user scope.
Attack Vector
A malicious application installed on the device invokes operations that trigger the vulnerable code path in CredentialManagerService. Because the service does not enforce cross-user permission boundaries, the app can override credential provider settings for additional users on the device. No user interaction is required. The attack surface is limited to local code execution contexts on Android 16.0 builds prior to the June 2026 security patch.
No verified public proof-of-concept exists. See the Android Security Bulletin June 2026 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0016
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected changes to credential provider configuration for user profiles other than the caller.
- Applications invoking CredentialManagerService APIs that target user IDs outside their own profile scope.
- Anomalous removals or replacements of credential provider services in system logs.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android system logs (logcat) for entries from CredentialManagerService related to updateProvidersWhenServiceRemoved activity.
- Inspect installed applications that request access to credential management APIs or use the android.permission.MANAGE_CREDENTIALS permission.
- Review device build fingerprints to identify endpoints still running Android 16.0 builds prior to the June 2026 patch level.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track Android security patch level across the mobile fleet using mobile device management (MDM) telemetry.
- Alert on devices reporting a patch level earlier than 2026-06-01.
- Audit credential provider settings during routine compliance checks to identify unauthorized modifications.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0016
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the June 2026 Android security patch on all affected Android 16.0 devices.
- Identify devices in scope by querying the reported patch level and OS build through MDM.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications on affected devices until the patch is deployed.
Patch Information
Google addressed CVE-2026-0016 in the Android Security Bulletin June 2026. Devices must report a security patch level of 2026-06-01 or later to be considered remediated. OEM patch availability varies by device manufacturer and carrier.
Workarounds
- Limit application installations to vetted sources such as Google Play with Play Protect enabled.
- Avoid configuring sensitive credential providers on multi-user devices that have not yet received the patch.
- Use enterprise mobility management policies to block sideloading on managed devices.
# Verify Android security patch level on a connected device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for remediated devices: 2026-06-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
