CVE-2026-0107: Google Android Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2026-0107 Overview

CVE-2026-0107 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Google Android's gmc_mba_ddr.c component, specifically within the gmc_ddr_handle_mba_mr_req function. This vulnerability arises from a confused deputy flaw (CWE-441), which allows a local attacker to escalate privileges without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction.

The confused deputy vulnerability occurs when a privileged component is tricked into misusing its authority on behalf of an attacker. In this case, the gmc_ddr_handle_mba_mr_req function fails to properly validate the source or intent of requests it processes, enabling unauthorized privilege escalation.

Critical Impact

Local privilege escalation with no user interaction required, potentially allowing complete device compromise through the memory controller component.

Affected Products

• Google Android (all versions prior to March 2026 security patch)
• Google Pixel devices (prior to March 2026 Pixel security update)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-10 - CVE-2026-0107 published to NVD
• 2026-03-11 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-0107

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the gmc_ddr_handle_mba_mr_req function within gmc_mba_ddr.c, which is part of Android's memory controller interface. This function handles Memory Bank Address (MBA) mode register requests for DDR memory operations.

The confused deputy pattern manifests when the function processes requests without adequately verifying the caller's authorization level. The function operates with elevated privileges to perform memory controller operations, but it can be manipulated by a less-privileged process to execute operations that should be restricted.

When exploited, this allows an attacker with local access to the device to escalate their privileges to a higher level without needing any additional execution privileges. The attack requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where malicious applications are installed on the device.

Root Cause

The root cause is a confused deputy vulnerability (CWE-441) where the gmc_ddr_handle_mba_mr_req function acts as a deputy with elevated privileges but fails to properly verify that incoming requests are authorized to perform the requested operations. The function trusts request parameters without adequately validating the requester's privilege level, allowing unauthorized callers to leverage the function's elevated permissions.

Attack Vector

The attack is performed locally on the device. An attacker must have the ability to execute code on the target Android device, which could be achieved through a malicious application. Once the attacker has local code execution, they can craft specific requests to the gmc_ddr_handle_mba_mr_req function that exploit the confused deputy condition.

The exploitation flow involves:

1. A malicious process sends crafted requests to the vulnerable memory controller function
2. The gmc_ddr_handle_mba_mr_req function processes these requests using its elevated privileges
3. The function performs operations that the attacker would normally be unauthorized to execute
4. This results in privilege escalation, giving the attacker elevated access to system resources

No proof-of-concept exploit code is currently publicly available. Technical details can be found in the Android Security Bulletin March 2026.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0107

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual system calls or IPC communications targeting memory controller interfaces
• Unexpected privilege level changes in process monitoring logs
• Anomalous DDR memory controller access patterns from non-system processes
• Suspicious application behavior attempting to interact with low-level memory components

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for applications attempting to access memory controller interfaces without appropriate permissions
• Implement system call auditing for functions related to DDR memory operations
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying privilege escalation attempts
• Review installed applications for those requesting unusual permissions or exhibiting suspicious behavior

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging for kernel-level memory operations on Android devices
• Utilize mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor for unauthorized privilege changes
• Deploy SentinelOne Mobile Threat Defense for real-time behavioral analysis of installed applications
• Regularly audit device security patch levels to ensure March 2026 security updates are applied

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0107

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the Android Security Patch Level 2026-03-01 or later immediately
• For Pixel devices, apply the March 2026 Pixel security update
• Review installed applications and remove any suspicious or unnecessary apps
• Enable Google Play Protect to scan for potentially harmful applications

Patch Information

Google has addressed this vulnerability in the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin. The fix is included in security patch level 2026-03-01 and later. Organizations and users should update their devices to this patch level or newer as soon as possible.

For detailed patch information, refer to:

• Android Security Bulletin March 2026
• Android Pixel Security Bulletin March 2026

Workarounds

• Limit application installation to trusted sources only (Google Play Store with Play Protect enabled)
• Disable installation of applications from unknown sources in device settings
• Implement strict mobile device management policies to control application installations
• Consider device isolation for unpatched devices until security updates can be applied

# Verify Android Security Patch Level via ADB
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output should be 2026-03-01 or later