CVE-2026-0114: Google Android Modem RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2026-0114 Overview

CVE-2026-0114 is a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability affecting the Modem component in Google Android. The vulnerability arises from an incorrect bounds check that allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This flaw can be exploited remotely to achieve code execution without requiring any user interaction or additional execution privileges, making it particularly dangerous for Android device security.

Critical Impact
This vulnerability enables remote code execution on affected Android devices through the Modem component without requiring user interaction, potentially allowing complete device compromise.

Affected Products

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

Discovery Timeline

2026-03-10 - CVE-2026-0114 published to NVD
2026-03-11 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-0114

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-Bounds Write), a memory corruption vulnerability that occurs when the Modem component fails to properly validate input boundaries before performing write operations. The flawed bounds checking logic allows data to be written to memory locations outside the intended buffer allocation.

The attack surface is particularly concerning because the Modem component handles network communications at a fundamental level. Exploitation can occur remotely over the network without any user interaction, meaning affected devices can be compromised simply by receiving specially crafted network traffic. The vulnerability grants the attacker code execution capabilities with no additional privileges required, indicating it operates at a privileged level within the modem subsystem.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-0114 is an incorrect bounds check implementation within the Android Modem component. When processing certain data inputs, the bounds validation logic fails to accurately calculate or enforce the boundaries of the target memory buffer. This allows an attacker to supply data that exceeds the expected size, causing the excess data to overwrite adjacent memory regions.

Out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities in modem firmware are particularly dangerous because:

Modems process data from untrusted network sources
Modem firmware often runs with elevated privileges
Memory corruption in this context can lead to arbitrary code execution

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction. An attacker can potentially exploit this vulnerability by:

Crafting malicious network packets designed to trigger the vulnerable code path in the Modem component
Sending these packets to the target device over a cellular or network connection
The malformed data triggers the incorrect bounds check, allowing out-of-bounds memory write
The attacker gains remote code execution capabilities on the affected device

The exploitation does not require the attacker to have prior access to the device, making it a zero-click vulnerability that can be weaponized at scale against vulnerable Android devices.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0114

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected modem crashes or restarts on Android devices
Anomalous network traffic patterns, particularly unusual baseband signaling
Device instability or unexpected behavior following network connectivity
Unexplained battery drain potentially indicating persistent malicious activity

Detection Strategies

Monitor device logs for modem-related crashes or kernel panic events referencing the baseband processor
Deploy network intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify potentially malicious cellular network traffic patterns
Implement endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring for anomalous modem behavior
Review system logs for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts following modem activity

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable enhanced logging on mobile device management (MDM) platforms for modem-related events
Monitor for Android devices that have not received the March 2026 security update
Track baseband firmware version across managed device fleet to identify vulnerable systems
Implement network-level monitoring for devices connecting through untrusted network infrastructure

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0114

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the Android Security Bulletin March 2026 security update immediately
For Pixel devices, install the Pixel Security Bulletin March 2026 update
Prioritize patching for devices with exposure to untrusted networks
Audit your mobile device fleet to identify all vulnerable Android devices

Patch Information

Google has addressed this vulnerability in the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin. The security patch resolves the incorrect bounds check in the Modem component, ensuring proper validation of input data before write operations. Organizations and users should update their Android devices to the security patch level 2026-03-01 or later to remediate this vulnerability.

For detailed patch information, refer to:

Workarounds

Limit device exposure to untrusted cellular networks where possible until patches can be applied
Consider isolating unpatched devices from sensitive enterprise networks
Enable airplane mode on highly sensitive unpatched devices when network connectivity is not required
Monitor vendor communications for additional mitigation guidance specific to device manufacturers