CVE-2026-0109 Overview
CVE-2026-0109 is a Denial of Service vulnerability affecting Google Android devices. The vulnerability exists in the dhd_tcpdata_info_get function within the dhd_ip.c file, where a precondition check failure can be exploited to cause a remote denial of service condition. This vulnerability requires no user interaction and can be triggered without any additional execution privileges, making it particularly concerning for Android device users.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service on affected Android devices without requiring user interaction or special privileges, potentially disrupting device functionality and connectivity.
Affected Products
- Google Android (all versions prior to March 2026 security patch)
- Google Pixel devices (all versions prior to March 2026 security patch)
Discovery Timeline
- March 10, 2026 - CVE-2026-0109 published to NVD
- March 11, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-0109
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-754 (Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions). The flaw resides in the dhd_tcpdata_info_get function within the Android DHD (Dongle Host Driver) IP handling code. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition through network-based attacks without requiring any form of authentication or user interaction.
The DHD driver is responsible for handling communication between the Android operating system and wireless network hardware. The vulnerable function dhd_tcpdata_info_get processes TCP data information and fails to properly validate certain preconditions before proceeding with operations. When these preconditions are not met due to maliciously crafted input, the function fails in a way that causes the system to become unresponsive or crash.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2026-0109 lies in improper validation of exceptional conditions within the dhd_tcpdata_info_get function in dhd_ip.c. The code fails to adequately check for unusual or exceptional conditions before processing TCP data information, allowing attackers to trigger a precondition check failure. This improper handling of edge cases in the network driver code enables remote denial of service attacks.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring any privileges or user interaction. An attacker can send specially crafted network packets to a vulnerable Android device, triggering the precondition check failure in the DHD driver. The attack does not require local access to the device, making it exploitable from anywhere on the network or internet, depending on the device's exposure.
The attack mechanism involves sending malformed TCP data that causes the dhd_tcpdata_info_get function to encounter an unexpected state. When the precondition checks fail, the driver becomes unable to properly handle network operations, resulting in a denial of service condition that affects the device's network connectivity and potentially overall system stability.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0109
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected device crashes or reboots associated with network activity
- Network connectivity disruptions without apparent cause
- System logs showing errors in DHD driver or dhd_ip.c related components
- Unusual patterns of malformed TCP packets targeting the device
Detection Strategies
- Monitor system logs for DHD driver errors or crashes in wireless subsystem
- Implement network intrusion detection rules for anomalous TCP traffic patterns
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring kernel-level driver behavior
- Configure alerts for unexpected device reboots or network service interruptions
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for wireless driver components where feasible
- Implement network-level monitoring for suspicious traffic targeting Android devices
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to track device health and connectivity issues
- Monitor for firmware update status across managed Android device fleets
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0109
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin patches immediately
- For Pixel devices, apply the March 2026 Pixel Security Bulletin updates
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable devices
- Monitor devices for signs of exploitation until patches can be applied
Patch Information
Google has addressed this vulnerability in the March 2026 security bulletins. Organizations and users should update their Android devices to the latest security patch level as soon as possible. Detailed patch information is available in the following security advisories:
Workarounds
- Limit network exposure of affected devices by restricting them to trusted networks
- Implement network-level filtering to block potentially malicious traffic patterns
- Consider temporarily disabling WiFi and using alternative connectivity methods for critical operations
- Deploy network-based intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to detect and block exploitation attempts
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
