CVE-2026-0116: Google Android RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2026-0116 Overview

CVE-2026-0116 is a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability discovered in the __mfc_handle_released_buf function within mfc_core_isr.c on Google Android devices. The vulnerability exists due to a missing bounds check, which allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This flaw can be exploited remotely without any user interaction or additional execution privileges, making it particularly dangerous for Android device users.

Critical Impact
Remote code execution is possible on affected Android devices without user interaction, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the device.

Affected Products

Google Android (all versions prior to March 2026 security patch)
Google Pixel devices (prior to March 2026 Pixel security update)
Android devices using MFC (Multi-Format Codec) component

Discovery Timeline

2026-03-10 - CVE-2026-0116 published to NVD
2026-03-11 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-0116

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), a memory corruption flaw that occurs when the application writes data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. In the context of the __mfc_handle_released_buf function within the MFC core interrupt service routine, the absence of proper bounds validation allows attackers to corrupt adjacent memory regions.

The MFC (Multi-Format Codec) component is responsible for hardware-accelerated video encoding and decoding on Android devices. When processing released buffers in the interrupt service routine, the vulnerable function fails to validate buffer indices or sizes before performing write operations. This creates an opportunity for memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-0116 is a missing bounds check in the __mfc_handle_released_buf function located in mfc_core_isr.c. When handling released buffers during interrupt processing, the function does not properly validate input parameters against buffer boundaries. This allows an attacker to trigger a write operation that exceeds the allocated memory region, potentially overwriting critical data structures or function pointers.

The vulnerability is particularly severe because interrupt service routines often operate with elevated privileges and have direct access to kernel memory, increasing the potential impact of successful exploitation.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring any user interaction. An attacker could potentially craft malicious media content or network packets designed to trigger the vulnerable code path in the MFC component. Since no additional execution privileges are needed and user interaction is not required, the attack surface is significantly broad.

Exploitation would typically involve:

Crafting specially formatted input that reaches the MFC codec component
Triggering the interrupt handler with malicious buffer parameters
Leveraging the out-of-bounds write to overwrite critical kernel structures
Achieving arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges

Due to the sensitive nature of this vulnerability and responsible disclosure practices, specific exploitation code is not provided. Technical details can be found in the Android Security Bulletin March 2026.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0116

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected crashes or reboots in the media codec subsystem
Anomalous kernel panic logs referencing mfc_core_isr.c or __mfc_handle_released_buf
Unusual memory allocation patterns in the MFC driver
Signs of unauthorized code execution following media processing activities

Detection Strategies

Monitor system logs for MFC-related kernel errors or unexpected buffer handling issues
Implement Android security patch verification to ensure devices are running the March 2026 or later security patch level
Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying memory corruption exploitation attempts
Use SentinelOne Singularity Mobile to detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable enhanced logging for the multimedia subsystem on managed Android devices
Monitor for abnormal process behavior following media playback or codec operations
Track security patch levels across the Android device fleet to identify unpatched systems
Implement network monitoring for potentially malicious media content delivery

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0116

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the March 2026 Android Security Patch immediately to all affected devices
For Pixel devices, install the Pixel Security Update March 2026
Prioritize patching for devices that process untrusted media content
Consider temporarily restricting access to untrusted media sources on unpatched devices

Patch Information

Google has released security patches addressing this vulnerability in the March 2026 Android Security Bulletin. The fix adds proper bounds checking to the __mfc_handle_released_buf function to prevent out-of-bounds write operations.

Patch resources:

Organizations should work with their device manufacturers to obtain the appropriate security updates for their specific Android devices.

Workarounds

Limit exposure to untrusted media content until patches can be applied
Implement network-level filtering for potentially malicious media files where possible
Consider disabling or restricting hardware video decoding on high-risk unpatched devices
Use Mobile Threat Defense solutions to detect and block exploitation attempts

bash

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