CVE-2026-0132: Google Android Modem RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2026-0132 Overview

CVE-2026-0132 is a heap-based buffer overflow [CWE-122] in the Modem component of Google Android. The flaw allows an out-of-bounds write that can lead to remote code execution without user interaction. Exploitation does not require additional execution privileges beyond those already granted to the vulnerable component. Google addressed the issue in the June 2026 Android Security Bulletin for Pixel devices.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers can trigger memory corruption in the cellular modem stack and execute arbitrary code on affected Android devices without user interaction.

Affected Products

Google Android (Modem component)
Google Pixel devices receiving the June 2026 security patch level
Android builds prior to the 2026-06-01 security patch level

Discovery Timeline

2026-06-16 - CVE-2026-0132 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-0132

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the Android Modem component, which handles cellular baseband communications. A heap buffer overflow occurs when the component processes attacker-influenced data and writes past the bounds of an allocated heap region. The out-of-bounds write corrupts adjacent heap metadata or object data, creating conditions suitable for remote code execution.

Because the modem stack processes network-sourced messages, an attacker positioned on the cellular network path can deliver a crafted payload over the air. The advisory confirms that no user interaction is required and that exploitation does not require elevated privileges beyond the modem's own context. Successful exploitation provides high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper bounds checking on data written into a heap-allocated buffer within the Modem component. When input length or structure exceeds expected limits, the component continues writing past the allocation boundary. This pattern aligns with [CWE-122] Heap-based Buffer Overflow and is common in parsers handling complex binary protocol structures used in cellular signaling.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based. An adversary capable of sending crafted cellular protocol traffic — for example through a rogue base station or compromised network element — can reach the vulnerable parsing path. The modem processes the message before any user-space interaction occurs, which is why no user action is required. Google has not released technical exploitation details, and no public proof-of-concept is currently available.

For protocol-level details and the list of fixed components, consult the Android Security Bulletin June 2026.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0132

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected modem crashes, resets, or radio interface layer (RIL) restarts on devices running pre-June 2026 patch levels
Anomalous baseband logs referencing unknown protocol identifiers or malformed signaling messages
Device connections to unrecognized or unauthorized cellular base stations with abnormal signal characteristics

Detection Strategies

Inventory Android fleet patch levels and flag devices below the 2026-06-01 Android security patch level (SPL)
Correlate modem subsystem crash reports from mobile device management (MDM) telemetry to identify potential exploitation attempts
Monitor for IMSI catcher and rogue base station activity in environments where managed Android devices operate

Monitoring Recommendations

Ingest Android dropbox and logcat modem crash artifacts into a centralized logging pipeline for analysis
Alert on repeated baseband resets across multiple devices in the same geographic area
Track MDM compliance reports to ensure devices receive vendor security updates within defined SLAs

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0132

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the June 2026 Android security patch level (2026-06-01 or later) to all affected devices
Prioritize patching for Pixel devices and OEM Android builds that have published corresponding updates
Enforce minimum SPL requirements through MDM compliance policies to block non-compliant devices from sensitive resources

Patch Information

Google published the fix in the Android Security Bulletin June 2026. Pixel devices receive the patch through the standard over-the-air (OTA) update channel. Other OEMs ship the fix on their own release cadence; consult device-specific bulletins to confirm availability.

Workarounds

Disable cellular connectivity and rely on Wi-Fi where operationally feasible until patches are applied
Restrict use of high-risk devices in environments where rogue base station activity is possible
Use carrier features that restrict downgrade to legacy radio access technologies when supported

bash

# Verify the Android security patch level on a connected device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for a patched device: 2026-06-01 or later