CVE-2026-0148 Overview
CVE-2026-0148 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android affecting multiple functions of VideoRtpPayloadDecoderNode.cpp. The flaw is an integer overflow [CWE-190] that produces an out-of-bounds write condition during Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) video payload decoding. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution without additional execution privileges and without user interaction. The vulnerability resides in code handling untrusted network media data, making it reachable through media sessions that process attacker-supplied RTP streams. Google published the fix in the Android Security Bulletin for June 2026.
Critical Impact
Remote code execution is possible against Android devices processing crafted RTP video payloads, with no user interaction required.
Affected Products
- Google Android (versions addressed in the 2026-06-01 patch level)
- Pixel devices receiving the June 2026 security bulletin update
- OEM Android builds incorporating the vulnerable VideoRtpPayloadDecoderNode component
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-16 - CVE-2026-0148 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
- 2026-06-01 - Google Android Security Bulletin published with patch reference
Technical Details for CVE-2026-0148
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in VideoRtpPayloadDecoderNode.cpp, a component responsible for decoding RTP video payloads within Android's media stack. Multiple functions in this file perform arithmetic on attacker-controlled length or size fields without sufficient validation. The arithmetic wraps around the integer boundary, producing a value smaller than expected. Downstream memory operations then use this truncated value to allocate or index buffers, while subsequent copy operations rely on the original, larger size. The mismatch results in an out-of-bounds write beyond the allocated buffer. Because the affected code path processes network-delivered RTP packets, an attacker on the same call or media session can trigger the condition remotely.
Root Cause
The root cause is an integer overflow [CWE-190] in size calculations within the RTP video payload decoder. Length fields parsed from RTP headers or payload descriptors are combined with offsets or multiplied by element sizes. The result exceeds the storage width of the integer type and wraps, defeating downstream bounds checks. The decoder then writes payload data using the unchecked original length, corrupting adjacent heap memory.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based with low complexity. An attacker who can deliver RTP video traffic to the target — for example through a Voice over LTE (VoLTE), Voice over New Radio (VoNR), or video calling session — sends a crafted payload that triggers the overflow. No user interaction is required because incoming media streams are processed automatically once a session is established. The resulting out-of-bounds write can be shaped to overwrite function pointers or object metadata in the media process, leading to remote code execution within that process's privilege context.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available at the time of publication. Technical specifics of the affected functions are referenced in the Android Security Bulletin June 2026.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0148
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or tombstone entries referencing VideoRtpPayloadDecoderNode or the Android media or telephony processes
- Abnormal RTP sessions with malformed payload headers, oversized length fields, or inconsistent payload descriptors
- Media or IMS service restarts coinciding with inbound video call signaling from untrusted peers
Detection Strategies
- Inspect device logs and crash dumps for SIGSEGV or SIGABRT signals originating in RTP video decoding routines
- Monitor mobile device management (MDM) telemetry for devices missing the 2026-06-01 or later Android security patch level
- Correlate inbound RTP/IMS traffic with subsequent media process crashes to identify exploitation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track Android security patch level (ro.build.version.security_patch) across the fleet and flag values earlier than 2026-06-01
- Forward mobile crash telemetry to a centralized log platform for analysis and retention
- Alert on repeated abnormal RTP sessions targeting the same handset from unfamiliar carriers or peers
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0148
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the June 2026 Android security update (patch level 2026-06-01 or later) on all managed devices
- Prioritize patching for devices that participate in VoLTE, VoNR, or third-party video calling services
- Enforce minimum patch level policies through enterprise mobility management before granting access to corporate resources
Patch Information
Google addressed CVE-2026-0148 in the Android Security Bulletin dated 2026-06-01. Pixel devices receive the fix through the corresponding Pixel update. OEMs incorporate the patch into their downstream builds; check vendor advisories for device-specific availability and rollout schedules.
Workarounds
- Restrict or disable video calling features on unpatched devices where business requirements allow
- Block untrusted SIP/IMS peers at the carrier or enterprise session border controller where feasible
- Apply conditional access policies that deny corporate data access from devices below the required patch level
# Verify the Android security patch level on a managed 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.
