CVE-2026-55330: Bluetooth CCC Use-After-Free Vulnerability

CVE-2026-55330 Overview

CVE-2026-55330 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the BluetoothCccHandlerCallbackImpl function within bluetooth_ccc.cc on Android. The flaw stems from a logic error that allows an attacker to trigger memory corruption during Bluetooth callback handling. Successful exploitation leads to remote code execution without additional privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-416: Use After Free and is addressed in the Android Security Bulletin October 2026.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers within Bluetooth range can execute arbitrary code on affected Android devices without user interaction or elevated privileges.

Affected Products

Android (Pixel devices referenced in October 2026 Pixel bulletin)
Android Bluetooth stack component bluetooth_ccc.cc
Devices receiving the Android October 2026 security patch level

Discovery Timeline

2026-10-06 - CVE-2026-55330 published to NVD
2026-10-07 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-55330

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in BluetoothCccHandlerCallbackImpl inside bluetooth_ccc.cc, a component of the Android Bluetooth stack that handles Client Characteristic Configuration (CCC) callbacks. A logic error in the callback handler causes the code to reference memory that has already been freed. An attacker who can send crafted Bluetooth traffic to a target device can manipulate object lifecycle to reach the dangling pointer path. Because the Bluetooth daemon runs with elevated system privileges, successful memory corruption grants the attacker code execution in a privileged context.

The network attack vector in this case refers to proximal Bluetooth connectivity. No user interaction, pairing confirmation, or application-level privilege is required to reach the vulnerable code path.

Root Cause

The root cause is a use-after-free condition [CWE-416] introduced by a logic error in object lifetime management within the CCC callback implementation. The handler retains or dereferences a pointer to a Bluetooth session object after that object has been released. Subsequent operations on the stale pointer corrupt heap state, which an attacker can shape through controlled Bluetooth messages to achieve arbitrary code execution.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires network reachability over Bluetooth. An attacker transmits specially crafted Bluetooth protocol messages that trigger the callback sequence leading to the use-after-free. Because the Bluetooth stack processes certain messages before user acknowledgement, no user interaction is required. See the Android Security Bulletin October 2026 for technical references.

No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available, and the issue is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The EPSS probability is 0.299%.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-55330

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected crashes or restarts of the Android Bluetooth service (com.android.bluetooth) recorded in system logs.
Anomalous Bluetooth connection attempts from unknown devices in close physical proximity.
Unexplained processes spawned by the Bluetooth daemon or privileged system user following a Bluetooth session.

Detection Strategies

Monitor Android device logs (logcat) for repeated Bluetooth stack crashes, native tombstones, or heap corruption signatures referencing bluetooth_ccc.
Review mobile device management (MDM) telemetry for devices running an Android security patch level earlier than October 2026.
Correlate Bluetooth pairing events and device discoverability changes with subsequent anomalous network or process activity.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enforce patch-level reporting through MDM and flag endpoints below the October 2026 Android security patch level.
Audit Bluetooth usage policies on managed devices and restrict discoverability where business use does not require it.
Ingest mobile endpoint telemetry into a central analytics platform to identify clustering of Bluetooth-related crashes.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-55330

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the Android October 2026 security patch to all affected devices as soon as the vendor update is available.
Identify Pixel and OEM Android devices that cannot receive the October 2026 patch level and prioritize replacement or compensating controls.
Instruct users to disable Bluetooth in public or untrusted environments until patches are deployed.

Patch Information

Google has addressed CVE-2026-55330 in the October 2026 Android security patch level. Device owners should install updates referenced in the Android Security Bulletin October 2026. OEM vendors typically release corresponding firmware updates on a staggered schedule, so confirm the patch level on each managed device model.

Workarounds

Disable Bluetooth on affected devices when the service is not actively in use.
Set Bluetooth to non-discoverable mode and remove unused paired devices to reduce the exposed attack surface.
Avoid using affected devices in high-density public areas such as transit hubs and conference venues until patched.

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:
# 2026-10-01 or later