CVE-2026-58767 Overview
CVE-2026-58767 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the ARM System Memory Management Unit version 3 (SMMUv3) driver, specifically in multiple functions of arm-smmu-v3.c. The flaw stems from a logic error [CWE-693: Protection Mechanism Failure] that allows a local attacker with existing System-level privileges to escalate further within the kernel context. No user interaction is required for exploitation.
The vulnerability was disclosed in the Android Security Bulletin for September 2026 and affects Android devices leveraging the ARM SMMUv3 IOMMU driver in the Linux kernel.
Critical Impact
Local attackers with System execution privileges can escalate to kernel-level access, compromising device integrity and confidentiality without user interaction.
Affected Products
- Android devices using the Linux kernel arm-smmu-v3 IOMMU driver
- Google Pixel devices covered by the September 2026 Android Security Bulletin
- Linux kernels shipping the affected arm-smmu-v3.c component
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-15 - CVE-2026-58767 published to NVD
- 2026-09-16 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-58767
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in multiple functions within arm-smmu-v3.c, the driver for ARM's third-generation System Memory Management Unit. The SMMUv3 provides Direct Memory Access (DMA) address translation and isolation for devices interacting with system memory. A logic error in the driver's protection mechanisms enables an attacker to bypass intended access restrictions.
Exploitation results in local escalation of privilege, granting attackers elevated execution context within the kernel. Since the SMMU governs how peripheral devices access physical memory, a flaw here undermines memory isolation guarantees the operating system relies on.
The attack requires local access and existing System-level privileges, limiting remote exploitation. However, when chained with a prior remote or user-level compromise, this vulnerability provides a viable path to full kernel control.
Root Cause
The root cause is a logic error in the SMMUv3 driver code that mishandles protection state transitions or validation checks. According to the CWE-693 mapping, the driver's protection mechanism fails to enforce its intended security boundary. Precise technical details are limited pending upstream commit disclosure.
Attack Vector
An attacker with local access and System-level privileges invokes the affected code paths in arm-smmu-v3.c to trigger the logic flaw. Successful exploitation grants kernel privileges, breaking the trust boundary between System-context processes and the kernel. See the Android Security Bulletin September 2026 for additional context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-58767
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel log entries referencing arm-smmu-v3 faults, stream table errors, or context descriptor anomalies
- Processes running with System privileges spawning children or loading kernel modules outside expected baselines
- Unusual DMA fault reports or IOMMU translation errors preceding privileged operations
Detection Strategies
- Monitor dmesg and kernel audit logs for repeated SMMUv3 fault events tied to specific processes
- Baseline System-level process behavior and alert on deviations such as unexpected capset, setuid, or kernel interface access
- Correlate IOMMU driver errors with subsequent privilege changes on the device
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest Android device telemetry, including kernel logs and SELinux denials, into a centralized analytics platform
- Track patch level compliance across the fleet against the September 2026 Android Security Bulletin
- Alert on any local process attempting to interact with IOMMU sysfs or debugfs entries where not expected
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-58767
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the September 2026 Android Security Bulletin update to all affected devices
- Inventory Android and Linux systems using the arm-smmu-v3 driver and prioritize patching
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications that could obtain System-level privileges
Patch Information
Google addressed CVE-2026-58767 in the September 2026 Android Security Bulletin. Device manufacturers integrate the fix into their monthly security patch level. Refer to the Android Security Bulletin September 2026 for build identifiers and source references.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists; patching is the only supported remediation
- Enforce strict application vetting to reduce the likelihood of an attacker obtaining System-level access
- Disable or restrict access to unnecessary privileged services on affected devices where feasible
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
