CVE-2026-0076 Overview
CVE-2026-0076 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the validateNode function of ResourceTypes.cpp in Google Android. The flaw stems from an incorrect bounds check in resource parsing logic [CWE-125]. A local attacker with low privileges can exploit the issue to escalate privileges without user interaction. Google addressed the issue in the June 2026 Android Security Bulletin. The vulnerability affects Android 14, Android 15, and Android 16 release branches, including the QPR2 Beta 1, Beta 2, and Beta 3 builds.
Critical Impact
Local privilege escalation on affected Android devices through an out-of-bounds read in resource parsing, requiring no 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 the issue
- 2026-06-01 - CVE-2026-0076 published to NVD
- 2026-06-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-0076
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the validateNode routine inside ResourceTypes.cpp, a core component of the Android resource parsing framework. The function performs an incorrect bounds check when validating resource nodes, allowing the parser to read memory outside the intended buffer region. The flaw is classified as an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125].
Exploitation enables a local attacker with low privileges to read adjacent memory contents. The attack vector is local, meaning a malicious application installed on the device can trigger the condition. No user interaction is required. The CWE-125 condition can be chained with information gleaned from the read to defeat address space layout randomization or to perform local privilege escalation in a higher-privileged process that parses attacker-controlled resource data.
Root Cause
The root cause is an incorrect bounds check in validateNode. The function fails to correctly validate the length or offset of node data relative to the underlying buffer before dereferencing pointers within the resource structure. Malformed or crafted resource data passes the flawed check and causes the parser to read beyond the allocated buffer.
Attack Vector
A local application supplies a crafted resource file or resource table to a system component that invokes validateNode. When the parser processes the malformed input, the missing bounds enforcement causes it to read out-of-bounds memory. Because Android system services parse application-supplied resources at elevated privilege, the out-of-bounds read can yield privileged memory contents and facilitate local escalation of privilege.
No verified public proof-of-concept exploit code is available. See the Android Security Bulletin June 2026 for technical details from the vendor.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0076
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or SIGSEGV signals in system services that parse application resources, such as system_server or package parsing components.
- Installation of untrusted APKs followed by anomalous behavior in resource-handling processes.
- logcat entries indicating native crashes in libandroidfw or ResourceTypes.cpp stack frames.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor mobile device management telemetry for Android builds that have not received the June 2026 security patch level.
- Inspect application packages for malformed binary resource tables that deviate from documented ResTable structure layouts.
- Correlate native crash signatures referencing validateNode with recent application installs or updates.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track the Android security patch level reported by managed devices and flag devices below the 2026-06-01 patch level.
- Alert on repeated native crashes in privileged Android system processes parsing resources.
- Review enterprise app stores and sideloaded APK inventories for unsigned or untrusted packages.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0076
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Android security patch level 2026-06-01 or later to all affected devices.
- Restrict installation of applications to vetted sources and disable sideloading on enterprise-managed devices.
- Audit installed applications and remove untrusted packages that could deliver malicious resource files.
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the Android Security Bulletin June 2026. Devices must be updated to security patch level 2026-06-01 or later. OEMs distribute the corresponding firmware updates through their standard channels.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists. Patching is the only complete remediation.
- Reduce exposure by enforcing Google Play Protect and disallowing installation from unknown sources via mobile device management policy.
- Limit the use of unmanaged or end-of-life Android devices that cannot receive the June 2026 patch.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
