CVE-2026-0125 Overview
CVE-2026-0125 is a use-after-free vulnerability affecting multiple functions in the Android vpu_ioctl.c kernel driver source file. The flaw stems from a race condition that allows concurrent access to freed memory objects. A local attacker with low privileges can exploit this condition to escalate privileges on an affected Android device. Exploitation requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges. The issue is tracked under CWE-416 (Use After Free) and is documented in the Android Security Bulletin.
Critical Impact
A local attacker with low privileges can trigger a use-after-free in the Android Video Processing Unit (VPU) ioctl handler to achieve kernel-level privilege escalation without user interaction.
Affected Products
- Google Android (Pixel kernel VPU driver)
- Devices receiving the June 2026 Pixel security patch level
- Kernel builds containing the vulnerable vpu_ioctl.c implementation
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-16 - CVE-2026-0125 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-0125
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in multiple functions within vpu_ioctl.c, the input/output control handler for the Video Processing Unit driver on Android. A race condition between concurrent ioctl calls allows one thread to free a kernel object while another thread retains and dereferences a stale pointer to the same object. This creates a classic use-after-free condition in kernel memory.
Because the affected code paths execute in kernel context, successful exploitation can corrupt kernel data structures or hijack control flow. The attack complexity is high because the attacker must reliably win a timing window. However, the impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability when the race is won.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient synchronization around object lifetime management in the VPU ioctl handlers. When multiple ioctl entry points operate on a shared driver object, the absence of proper locking or reference counting permits one path to release the object while another path still holds a reference. The dangling pointer is then reused, satisfying the conditions described by CWE-416.
Attack Vector
A local, unprivileged Android process that can open the VPU device node issues concurrent ioctl calls from multiple threads. By racing a release operation against an in-flight operation that consumes the same object, the attacker triggers the use-after-free. Subsequent allocations can be groomed to place attacker-controlled data into the freed slab slot, enabling kernel memory corruption and privilege escalation.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available for this issue. Refer to the Android Security Bulletin for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0125
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics or KASAN use-after-free reports referencing vpu_ioctl symbols in device logs.
- Unprivileged processes opening /dev/vpu or related VPU device nodes and issuing high-frequency concurrent ioctl calls.
- Sudden privilege transitions where a previously unprivileged UID gains root or system capabilities without an authorized escalation path.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor logcat and dmesg output for kernel oops, slab corruption messages, or KASAN reports tied to the VPU driver.
- Audit installed applications for use of the VPU device node and flag non-media processes that invoke its ioctls.
- Correlate process crashes in the VPU subsystem with subsequent UID or SELinux context changes on the device.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enroll devices in Mobile Threat Defense tooling that surfaces kernel crash telemetry and patch-level compliance.
- Track the Android security patch level on managed devices and alert on devices below the June 2026 Pixel patch level.
- Forward device logs to a centralized analytics platform to detect anomalous ioctl patterns against /dev/vpu.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0125
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the June 2026 Pixel security patch (2026-06-01 patch level or later) to all affected devices.
- Inventory managed Android fleets and prioritize patching for devices that expose the VPU driver to third-party applications.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications until devices receive the patched kernel.
Patch Information
Google addressed CVE-2026-0125 in the June 2026 Pixel Update Bulletin. Device owners should install the update that brings the security patch level to 2026-06-01 or later. Full details and source links are available in the Android Security Bulletin.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists; patching is the only complete remediation.
- Where patching is delayed, limit device exposure by enforcing application allowlists through enterprise mobility management.
- Disable or remove applications that exercise the VPU device node when they are not required for business operations.
# Verify the Android security patch level on a connected device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for remediated devices: 2026-06-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
