CVE-2026-57008: Modem Information Disclosure Vulnerability

CVE-2026-57008 Overview

CVE-2026-57008 is an information disclosure vulnerability in the Modem component addressed in the Android Security Bulletin dated September 2026. The flaw stems from improper input validation [CWE-20] in modem message handling. A remote attacker can trigger the condition without user interaction and without prior privileges. Successful exploitation leaks sensitive data processed by the modem subsystem to a network-adjacent adversary.

Critical Impact
Remote attackers can obtain sensitive information handled by the Modem component over the network without authentication or user interaction.

Affected Products

Android devices referenced in the Android Security Bulletin dated September 2026
Modem component (specific baseband vendor not disclosed in the NVD entry)
See the Android Security Bulletin September 2026 for the list of impacted builds

Discovery Timeline

2026-09-15 - CVE-2026-57008 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
2026-09-16 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-57008

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the Modem component and is classified as Improper Input Validation [CWE-20]. The Modem processes untrusted data received over the network without adequately validating its structure or bounds. This validation gap causes the component to expose data that should remain confidential to the baseband firmware or the host operating system.

Because the attack occurs over a network vector and requires no privileges or user interaction, an adversary within radio range or on the signaling path can send crafted messages to elicit information disclosure. The impact is limited to confidentiality; integrity and availability are not affected according to the CVSS metrics published in the NVD entry.

Root Cause

The Modem firmware fails to enforce strict validation on the length, type, or content of an inbound protocol field. When the malformed input is processed, the component returns or leaks memory contents or protocol state that should not be exposed. The exact protocol layer and field are not disclosed in the public NVD record.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires only network reachability to the affected device's baseband. An attacker sends a crafted radio or signaling message to the target modem. The modem processes the input and responds with data that includes information from adjacent memory or internal state. No application interaction on the handset is required.

No verified proof-of-concept code has been published. See the Android Security Bulletin September 2026 for vendor-specific technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-57008

Indicators of Compromise

No public indicators of compromise have been associated with CVE-2026-57008 at the time of publication.
Anomalous baseband crashes, resets, or unexpected radio interface layer (RIL) errors on affected devices may warrant investigation.

Detection Strategies

Inventory Android devices and correlate build fingerprints against the fixed patch level listed in the September 2026 Android Security Bulletin.
Monitor Mobile Device Management (MDM) telemetry for handsets that report a security patch level earlier than 2026-09-01.
Review carrier and enterprise Wi-Fi logs for anomalous signaling behavior originating from rogue base stations.

Monitoring Recommendations

Alert on Android endpoints that fail to receive the September 2026 or later monthly security update within your patch service-level objective.
Track baseband firmware versions as a distinct compliance attribute in your endpoint inventory.
Correlate mobile threat defense telemetry with unexpected network-based crashes of the cellular stack.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-57008

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the Android security patch level 2026-09-01 or later to all managed devices.
Prioritize patching for executives, field personnel, and users who operate in high-risk radio environments.
Enforce minimum patch-level policies through MDM to block non-compliant devices from sensitive resources.

Patch Information

The fix is delivered through the Android monthly security update referenced in the Android Security Bulletin September 2026. Device manufacturers and carriers distribute the update as part of the 2026-09-01 security patch level. Consult the OEM advisory for device-specific rollout timing.

Workarounds

No vendor-supplied workaround is documented; patching is the authoritative remediation.
Restrict use of untrusted cellular networks and disable 2G fallback where the platform supports it to reduce exposure to rogue base stations.
Where feasible, favor Wi-Fi calling over untrusted radio environments until the device is patched.

bash

# Verify the Android security patch level on a managed device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for remediated devices: 2026-09-01 or later