CVE-2026-0052 Overview
CVE-2026-0052 is an integer overflow vulnerability [CWE-190] affecting multiple functions in ubsan_throwing_runtime.cpp within Google Android. The flaw allows a remote attacker to trigger a crash, resulting in denial of service. Exploitation requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges beyond low-level authenticated access. Google addressed the issue in the Android Security Bulletin published June 1, 2026.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can crash affected Android components, causing denial of service without 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 publishes the Android Security Bulletin addressing CVE-2026-0052
- 2026-06-01 - CVE-2026-0052 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-0052
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in multiple functions within ubsan_throwing_runtime.cpp, the Undefined Behavior Sanitizer (UBSan) throwing runtime component used by Android. An integer overflow condition in this code path produces an unrecoverable state that crashes the affected process.
The issue is reachable over the network and requires low privileges. It does not provide confidentiality or integrity impact, but it produces a high availability impact by terminating the affected runtime component. Repeated triggering can lead to sustained service disruption on affected devices.
Root Cause
The root cause is an arithmetic operation in ubsan_throwing_runtime.cpp that does not validate operand ranges before computation. When inputs exceed expected bounds, the result wraps around or exceeds the storage width of the target integer type, producing undefined behavior that the runtime cannot safely handle.
Because the overflow occurs inside the sanitizer runtime itself, the failure path bypasses the normal recovery logic and forces a process crash. Refer to the Android Security Bulletin June 2026 for the specific patch context.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable over a network with low privileges and no user interaction. An attacker sends crafted input that reaches the vulnerable arithmetic path, triggering the integer overflow and causing the process to terminate.
No public proof-of-concept has been released, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. No exploit code is currently available in public exploit databases.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0052
Indicators of Compromise
- Repeated process crashes referencing ubsan_throwing_runtime in Android system logs (logcat) or tombstone files under /data/tombstones/.
- Unexpected restarts of system services accompanied by SIGABRT or SIGSEGV signals tied to UBSan runtime stack frames.
- Anomalous network traffic patterns immediately preceding application or service termination events.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android crash reports and tombstones for stack traces that include symbols from ubsan_throwing_runtime.cpp.
- Correlate device crash telemetry with network connections to identify remote sources triggering repeated failures.
- Apply MITRE ATT&CK mapping for technique T1499 (Endpoint Denial of Service) when triaging Android availability incidents.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest Android device logs and crash reports into a centralized telemetry pipeline for trend analysis.
- Alert on repeated crashes of the same process within short time windows on enrolled mobile fleets.
- Track Android patch level (ro.build.version.security_patch) across the fleet and flag devices missing the June 2026 security patch.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0052
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the June 2026 Android security patch level (2026-06-01 or later) to all managed devices.
- Inventory devices running Android 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0 builds, including QPR2 beta channels, and prioritize them for update.
- Restrict untrusted network exposure to affected devices until patches are deployed.
Patch Information
Google released the fix as part of the Android Security Bulletin June 2026. Device manufacturers (OEMs) typically distribute the corresponding patch in their monthly over-the-air updates. Confirm the patch level on each device matches 2026-06-01 or later after update.
Workarounds
- Limit application exposure to untrusted networks using mobile device management (MDM) network policies.
- Disable or sandbox applications that process untrusted remote input on unpatched devices.
- Enforce VPN-based segmentation for managed mobile devices to reduce attacker reachability.
# Verify Android security patch level on a managed device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output: 2026-06-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
