CVE-2026-0115: Google Android Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2026-0115 Overview

A side channel information disclosure vulnerability exists in the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) of Google Android. This security flaw enables attackers with physical access to the device to potentially extract cryptographic keys through side channel analysis techniques. The vulnerability allows for information disclosure without requiring additional execution privileges, though user interaction is necessary for successful exploitation.

Critical Impact

Physical attackers could potentially extract cryptographic keys from the Trusted Execution Environment through side channel analysis, compromising device security and encrypted data protection.

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

• March 10, 2026 - CVE-2026-0115 published to NVD
• March 11, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-0115

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability falls under CWE-1300 (Improper Protection of Physical Side Channels), which describes security weaknesses where hardware implementations fail to adequately protect against side channel attacks. The Trusted Execution Environment is designed to provide a secure area within the main processor where sensitive operations, including cryptographic key handling, are performed in isolation from the main operating system.

Side channel attacks exploit physical characteristics of cryptographic implementations—such as timing variations, power consumption patterns, or electromagnetic emissions—to extract sensitive information. In this case, the TEE implementation does not sufficiently protect against these physical observation methods, potentially allowing an attacker with physical access to the device to derive cryptographic key material.

The attack requires physical access to the target device and some form of user interaction, which limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk for high-value targets or scenarios where devices may be temporarily accessed by malicious actors.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient protection mechanisms within the Trusted Execution Environment implementation against physical side channel attacks. The TEE fails to implement adequate countermeasures such as constant-time operations, power analysis resistance, or electromagnetic shielding that would prevent the leakage of timing or power consumption patterns correlated with cryptographic key operations.

Attack Vector

Exploitation of CVE-2026-0115 requires physical access to the target Android device. An attacker would need specialized equipment to monitor side channel emissions (timing, power, or electromagnetic) during cryptographic operations within the TEE. The user interaction requirement suggests that the vulnerable code path is triggered by specific user actions rather than passive device operations, meaning the attacker would need to either wait for or induce the victim to perform certain actions while monitoring the device.

The attack is technically sophisticated and requires:

1. Physical proximity to or possession of the target device
2. Specialized measurement equipment for side channel analysis
3. Knowledge of the specific cryptographic operations and their timing
4. The ability to trigger or wait for user interaction that activates the vulnerable code path

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0115

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual physical access to devices or evidence of device tampering
• Presence of side channel analysis equipment or probe marks near device processors
• Unexplained modifications to device hardware or enclosures
• Anomalous access patterns to cryptographically protected data following physical device access

Detection Strategies

• Implement tamper-evident seals or enclosures for high-security devices to detect physical access attempts
• Monitor for unauthorized physical access to devices through security cameras and access controls
• Deploy endpoint security solutions capable of detecting hardware tampering indicators
• Maintain chain of custody documentation for sensitive devices

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable device logging to track cryptographic operations and potential anomalies
• Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor device integrity
• Review security logs for any indicators of post-compromise data access following physical access events
• Monitor for abnormal application behavior that might indicate key compromise

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0115

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the March 2026 Android security patch immediately on all affected devices
• Prioritize patching for devices containing sensitive data or used in high-security environments
• Implement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized device access
• Consider additional hardware security measures for critical devices

Patch Information

Google has released security patches addressing this vulnerability in the Android Security Bulletin 2026-03-01. For Pixel devices specifically, refer to the Android Pixel Security Bulletin 2026-03-01. Organizations should ensure all Android devices are updated to the March 2026 security patch level or later.

Workarounds

• Maintain strict physical security controls for all Android devices, especially those containing sensitive data
• Limit physical access to devices to authorized personnel only
• Use tamper-evident cases or seals to detect unauthorized physical access
• Consider using additional encryption layers for highly sensitive data
• Implement device attestation to verify TEE integrity before processing sensitive operations