CVE-2026-0110: Google Android Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2026-0110 Overview

CVE-2026-0110 is a critical memory corruption vulnerability discovered in Google Android's NR (New Radio) SM (Session Management) message handler component. Specifically, the vulnerability exists in the MM_DATA_IND function within cn_NrSmMsgHdlrFromMM.cpp, where improper buffer handling leads to memory corruption that can be exploited for escalation of privilege.

This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network without any additional execution privileges. The memory corruption flaw allows attackers to potentially gain elevated system privileges on affected Android devices.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers can achieve privilege escalation on vulnerable Android devices without user interaction, potentially gaining full control over the affected system through the cellular modem interface.

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-2026-0110 published to NVD
March 11, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-0110

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from a classic buffer overflow condition (CWE-120) in the Android baseband processor's NR SM message handler. The MM_DATA_IND function in cn_NrSmMsgHdlrFromMM.cpp processes incoming MM (Mobility Management) data indication messages without proper bounds checking.

When processing specially crafted network messages, the function fails to validate the length of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical data structures or injecting executable code.

The vulnerability exists in the 5G NR (New Radio) stack implementation, specifically in the session management component that handles communication between the MM layer and upper protocol layers. This component is responsible for processing mobility management data indications, which are fundamental to cellular network operations.

Root Cause

The root cause is a buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-120) in the cn_NrSmMsgHdlrFromMM.cpp file. The MM_DATA_IND function copies data from incoming network messages into a buffer without properly validating that the source data length does not exceed the destination buffer capacity. This classic buffer overflow pattern allows memory corruption when oversized or maliciously crafted data is received.

Attack Vector

The attack can be executed remotely over the network (cellular interface) without requiring any special privileges or user interaction. An attacker with the ability to send malicious cellular network messages (such as a rogue base station or through a man-in-the-middle position on the cellular network) can transmit specially crafted MM_DATA_IND messages to trigger the buffer overflow.

The attack flow involves:

Attacker establishes a position to send malicious network messages to the target device
Crafted MM_DATA_IND messages with oversized data fields are transmitted
The vulnerable MM_DATA_IND handler processes the message without bounds checking
Buffer overflow occurs, corrupting adjacent memory
Attacker achieves code execution or privilege escalation through controlled memory corruption

The vulnerability manifests in the NR SM message handling path when processing mobility management data indications. The buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. See the Android Security Bulletin March 2026 for additional technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0110

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual baseband processor crashes or restarts on Android devices
Anomalous cellular network traffic patterns, particularly oversized or malformed MM_DATA_IND messages
Unexpected privilege escalation events or system-level process spawning
Kernel panic logs referencing memory corruption in NR SM components

Detection Strategies

Monitor device logs for baseband processor exceptions or memory corruption errors in SM components
Implement network-level monitoring for anomalous cellular signaling patterns
Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring baseband processor behavior
Enable kernel auditing to detect privilege escalation attempts following memory corruption

Monitoring Recommendations

Review Android system logs for crash reports related to cn_NrSmMsgHdlrFromMM.cpp or NR SM components
Implement SentinelOne Singularity Mobile to detect exploitation attempts and privilege escalation
Monitor for unauthorized system-level process creation following cellular network activity
Track device health metrics for signs of baseband instability

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0110

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the March 2026 Android security patch immediately to all affected devices
Prioritize patching of Pixel devices and other devices with direct Google update support
For enterprise environments, use Mobile Device Management (MDM) to enforce security patch levels
Consider network-level protections if immediate patching is not possible

Patch Information

Google has released security patches addressing this vulnerability in the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin. The fix is available in security patch level 2026-03-01 and later. Device manufacturers and carriers should prioritize distribution of this update to affected devices.

For detailed patch information, refer to:

Workarounds

No complete workaround is available; applying the security patch is the recommended remediation
Limit exposure to untrusted cellular networks where possible
Enable airplane mode when in high-risk environments if device functionality permits
Enterprise users should consider network segmentation and enhanced monitoring for unpatched devices

bash

# Verify Android security patch level
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output should be 2026-03-01 or later for patched devices