CVE-2026-58856 Overview
CVE-2026-58856 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the Android camera subsystem. The flaw resides in the returnOutputBufferLocked function of DeprecatedCamera3StreamSplitter.cpp. A missing bounds check allows a local attacker with low privileges to read memory outside intended buffer boundaries. Exploitation can lead to local information disclosure without additional execution privileges and without user interaction. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-119] (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer). Google addressed the issue in the Android Security Bulletin 2026-10-01.
Critical Impact
A local attacker can disclose adjacent memory contents from the Android camera service without user interaction, potentially exposing sensitive runtime data.
Affected Products
- Google Android 14.0
- Google Android 15.0 and 16.0 (including QPR2 beta builds)
- Google Android 17.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-10-05 - CVE-2026-58856 published to NVD
- 2026-10-01 - Fix included in the Android Security Bulletin 2026-10-01
- 2026-10-07 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-58856
Vulnerability Analysis
The defect is an out-of-bounds read in the returnOutputBufferLocked method of DeprecatedCamera3StreamSplitter.cpp. This component is part of Android's camera HAL stream management, splitting a single camera output stream across multiple consumers. When the function returns an output buffer to its originating queue, it does not validate that an index or buffer reference falls within the expected bounds before dereferencing memory.
The result is an unauthorized read of adjacent process memory within the camera service. The exposure is confined to information disclosure. The flaw does not grant code execution, modify integrity, or affect availability. The attack surface is restricted to local callers already able to interact with the camera service.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing bounds check in buffer handling logic inside returnOutputBufferLocked. The function processes buffer identifiers supplied through camera stream operations without validating that they correspond to a valid in-range element in the internal tracking structures. Reading past the valid region returns residual memory contents to the caller context.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access to the device and permissions sufficient to interact with the camera stack. No user interaction is required. An attacker-controlled application invoking affected camera stream splitter paths can trigger the condition and observe leaked bytes. See the Android Security Bulletin 2026-10-01 for component-level references.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. The vulnerability mechanism is described in prose per the referenced advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-58856
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or AddressSanitizer reports in the cameraserver process referencing DeprecatedCamera3StreamSplitter.
- Logcat entries showing abnormal buffer index values returned through camera stream callbacks.
- Installed applications requesting camera access that exercise low-level stream splitter APIs without legitimate functional need.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android device fleets for installations lacking the October 2026 security patch level (2026-10-01 or later).
- Review application permission profiles and flag apps declaring android.permission.CAMERA alongside native library usage targeting deprecated camera interfaces.
- Correlate cameraserver memory-safety events reported by sanitizer-enabled debug builds in test environments.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track ro.build.version.security_patch across managed devices through mobile device management (MDM) telemetry.
- Audit application behavior for repeated low-level camera stream operations that could indicate probing of the vulnerable code path.
- Ingest Android system logs into a centralized logging platform to correlate camera service anomalies with application activity.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-58856
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Android security patch level 2026-10-01 or later on all affected devices running Android 14, 15, 16, or 17.
- Enforce MDM compliance policies that block devices below the patched security patch level from accessing enterprise resources.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications that request camera permissions.
Patch Information
Google released the fix as part of the Android Security Bulletin 2026-10-01. Device manufacturers distribute the corresponding over-the-air update. Confirm the current patch level under Settings > About phone > Android security update.
Workarounds
- Limit the android.permission.CAMERA grant to vetted applications only.
- Disable or uninstall applications that invoke deprecated camera APIs without a documented need.
- For high-sensitivity use cases, defer camera-dependent workflows on unpatched devices until the vendor update is applied.
# Verify current Android security patch level on a connected device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output on a patched device: 2026-10-01 (or later)
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.