CVE-2026-0040 Overview
CVE-2026-0040 is an integer overflow vulnerability [CWE-190] affecting multiple functions in the ubsan_throwing_runtime.cpp component of Google Android. The flaw allows an attacker to trigger a crash, resulting in remote denial of service. Exploitation requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges beyond low-level access. Google addressed the issue in the Android Security Bulletin published on June 1, 2026.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation causes a remote denial of service condition on affected Android devices, disrupting availability without requiring user interaction.
Affected Products
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0
- Google Android 16.0 (including QPR2 Beta 1, Beta 2, and Beta 3)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-01 - Google releases security patch in Android Security Bulletin
- 2026-06-01 - CVE-2026-0040 published to NVD
- 2026-06-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-0040
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in multiple functions of ubsan_throwing_runtime.cpp, a runtime component associated with the Undefined Behavior Sanitizer (UBSan) in Android. An integer overflow condition occurs during processing within this runtime, leading to an unrecoverable crash of the affected process.
The issue is categorized under [CWE-190] Integer Overflow or Wraparound. When arithmetic operations exceed the maximum value representable by the underlying integer type, the value wraps around, producing unexpected results that downstream logic does not handle safely.
Exploitation produces a denial of service condition. The vulnerability does not expose memory contents or enable code execution, but it disrupts availability on affected Android versions 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0.
Root Cause
The root cause is unchecked arithmetic in functions within ubsan_throwing_runtime.cpp. Inputs supplied to these functions trigger integer wraparound, which then drives the runtime into an invalid state that terminates the process. Bounds validation on the affected arithmetic paths is missing or insufficient.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires low-level privileges. An attacker with the ability to send crafted input to the vulnerable runtime path can trigger the overflow remotely. No user interaction is required, and the impact is limited to availability — confidentiality and integrity are not affected.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The EPSS probability is 0.105% (28.1 percentile).
See the Android Security Bulletin June 2026 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0040
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected process crashes referencing ubsan_throwing_runtime in Android system logs (logcat) or tombstone files under /data/tombstones/.
- Repeated SIGABRT or SIGILL signals tied to UBSan runtime frames on affected Android builds.
- Spikes in application or system service restarts originating from network-facing components.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android crash telemetry and tombstone reports for stack traces involving ubsan_throwing_runtime.cpp frames.
- Correlate crash events with inbound network traffic patterns to identify potential remote triggers.
- Track Android OS build fingerprints across the managed fleet to identify devices still running Android 14.0, 15.0, or unpatched 16.0 builds.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Aggregate mobile device crash logs into a centralized logging or SIEM platform for trend analysis.
- Alert on repeated abnormal terminations of the same service across multiple devices within a short window.
- Verify Android security patch level on managed devices through mobile device management (MDM) reporting.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0040
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the June 2026 Android security patch level on all managed devices running Android 14.0, 15.0, or 16.0.
- Enforce minimum patch level compliance through MDM policies and block non-compliant devices from sensitive resources.
- Inventory Android devices in your environment and prioritize patching for network-exposed and high-value endpoints.
Patch Information
Google published the fix in the Android Security Bulletin June 2026. Device manufacturers distribute patches through their own update channels; confirm the security patch level reports 2026-06-01 or later under Settings → About phone → Android security update.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround is documented. Patching is the recommended remediation.
- Restrict exposure of vulnerable services on affected devices by limiting network access from untrusted sources until patches are deployed.
- Use MDM conditional access policies to quarantine devices that have not received the June 2026 patch level.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
