CVE-2026-0164 Overview
CVE-2026-0164 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the Modem component of Google Android. The flaw stems from a missing bounds check that allows attackers to write beyond allocated buffer boundaries. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction. Google addressed the issue in the June 2026 Android Security Bulletin. The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-120] (Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input).
Critical Impact
Attackers can achieve remote code execution on affected Android devices through the Modem component without user interaction, posing significant risk to mobile fleets.
Affected Products
- Google Android (per June 2026 Pixel Security Bulletin)
- Devices using the affected Modem firmware component
- Mobile endpoints not yet patched to the June 2026 security level
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-16 - CVE-2026-0164 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-0164
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Modem component of Android, which handles cellular baseband communications. A missing bounds check during data processing allows an attacker to write data past the end of an allocated buffer. This out-of-bounds write condition can corrupt adjacent memory structures, including function pointers and control flow data. An attacker who can deliver crafted input to the Modem can leverage this corruption to execute arbitrary code on the device. Because the Modem operates at a privileged level within the cellular stack, code execution there can compromise device integrity and confidentiality. The flaw maps to [CWE-120], a classic buffer copy without size validation. According to NVD, no public proof-of-concept exploit is available, and the issue is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. EPSS data places the probability of near-term exploitation at 0.231%.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of a bounds check before writing data into a fixed-size buffer within the Modem component. When attacker-controlled input exceeds the expected size, the write operation overflows the buffer boundary. This permits memory corruption that an attacker can shape to influence execution.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and does not require user interaction. An attacker delivering malformed baseband traffic or crafted protocol messages to the Modem can trigger the out-of-bounds write. See the Android Security Bulletin June 2026 for vendor technical details.
No verified public exploit code is available for this issue. Defenders should refer to vendor advisories for technical specifics rather than rely on synthetic proof-of-concept artifacts.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0164
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Modem process crashes or repeated baseband resets on Android devices
- Anomalous cellular connectivity drops correlated with malformed signaling traffic
- Devices reporting kernel or radio interface layer (RIL) errors prior to reboot
Detection Strategies
- Monitor mobile device management (MDM) telemetry for devices running Android security patch levels older than June 2026
- Inspect crash logs and bug reports for signatures referencing the Modem or baseband subsystems
- Correlate cellular network anomalies with endpoint mobile threat defense alerts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track Android patch level compliance across managed fleets using MDM reporting
- Alert on devices that fall behind monthly Android Security Bulletin updates
- Forward mobile endpoint telemetry to a centralized SIEM for correlation with network indicators
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0164
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the June 2026 Android security update on all affected Pixel and partner OEM devices
- Confirm device security patch level reads 2026-06-01 or later through Settings or MDM
- Prioritize patching for high-risk users and devices exposed to untrusted cellular environments
Patch Information
Google published the fix in the Android Security Bulletin June 2026. OEM partners receive the patch through Google's monthly distribution cycle and ship it to end users through over-the-air updates. Verify the patch level on each device after the update completes.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists; applying the vendor patch is the supported remediation
- Restrict device exposure to untrusted networks where feasible until patches are deployed
- Enforce MDM policies that block non-compliant devices from accessing corporate resources
# Verify Android security patch level via adb
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.
