CVE-2026-55304: addr_remap_address_map Privilege Escalation

CVE-2026-55304 Overview

CVE-2026-55304 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the addr_remap_address_map function of remap.c, disclosed in the Android Security Bulletin for September 2026. The flaw stems from a logic error [CWE-693: Protection Mechanism Failure] that allows an attacker with high privileges to elevate to System-level execution. Exploitation requires no user interaction and can be performed entirely from a local context.

Critical Impact
A local attacker with existing privileged access can gain System execution privileges, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected Android device.

Affected Products

Android platform components referenced in the September 2026 Pixel bulletin
Devices consuming the vulnerable remap.c implementation
See the Android Security Bulletin September 2026 for the full affected component list

Discovery Timeline

2026-09-15 - CVE-2026-55304 published to NVD
2026-09-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-55304

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in addr_remap_address_map within remap.c. A logic error in the code path handling address remapping permits an attacker to bypass an intended protection mechanism. The result is an escalation of privilege to System, which is one of the highest execution contexts available on Android outside of the kernel.

The attack is local. An adversary must already hold elevated privileges on the device, meaning exploitation typically follows an initial foothold obtained through a separate flaw or through a malicious application already granted sensitive permissions. Once chained, the attacker can execute code as System.

Root Cause

The underlying issue is classified under [CWE-693: Protection Mechanism Failure]. A logic error in addr_remap_address_map causes the function to fail to enforce the security boundary it is designed to maintain during address map operations. The specific code path and patch commit are documented in the vendor bulletin.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires local access with high privileges and no user interaction. A malicious app or a compromised privileged process invokes the vulnerable code path in remap.c to trigger the logic error and obtain System-level execution. The vulnerability does not expose a network-reachable attack surface. Technical specifics are available in the Android Security Bulletin September 2026.

// No verified proof-of-concept code is available.
// Refer to the Android Security Bulletin for patch-level technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-55304

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected processes running under the System UID that were not launched by trusted platform services
Application crashes or SELinux denials referencing address remapping operations near the time of privilege transitions
Installation of unknown or sideloaded applications that request low-level system access

Detection Strategies

Monitor Android audit logs (logcat, dmesg) for anomalous SELinux denials or unexpected UID transitions to System
Use mobile threat defense telemetry to flag applications that attempt to invoke privileged system APIs outside their declared behavior
Baseline device build fingerprints and alert when devices remain on pre-September 2026 patch levels

Monitoring Recommendations

Enforce mobile device management (MDM) policies that report the current Android security patch level
Alert on devices that have not applied the September 2026 patch within organizational SLAs
Track installation events for high-risk applications, particularly those requesting system-level permissions

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-55304

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the Android security patch level 2026-09-01 or later on all supported devices
Inventory devices below the required patch level and prioritize remediation
Restrict installation of untrusted applications through MDM policy while patches are being deployed

Patch Information

Google addressed CVE-2026-55304 in the September 2026 Android Security Bulletin. Device manufacturers integrate the fix into their monthly patch delivery. Users and administrators should update to the security patch level 2026-09-01 or later. Refer to the Android Security Bulletin September 2026 for the corresponding AOSP commit references.

Workarounds

No vendor-published workaround exists; patching is the definitive remediation
Reduce risk by limiting installation to vetted applications from trusted sources
Disable or remove non-essential privileged applications until the patch is deployed

bash

# Verify the current Android security patch level on a connected device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch

# Expected output should be 2026-09-01 or later