CVE-2026-0011 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/02/2026
In enableSystemPackageLPw of Settings.java, there is a possible way to prevent location access from working due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-0011 resides within the Android system's Settings.java implementation, specifically in the enableSystemPackageLPw method where a critical logic error compromises location services functionality. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability manifests when the system attempts to manage location access permissions for system packages, creating a scenario where legitimate location services may be inadvertently blocked or disabled due to the flawed conditional logic within the method. The root cause lies in how the system evaluates and processes permission states for location services, particularly when dealing with system-level packages that require elevated privileges to function correctly. This logic error creates a pathway where malicious actors can manipulate the system's location access controls to gain unauthorized privileges within the operating environment.
The technical impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple location service disruption as it provides a mechanism for privilege escalation that operates at the system level. When the enableSystemPackageLPw method processes location access requests, the flawed logic prevents proper validation of system package permissions, potentially allowing unauthorized code execution or privilege elevation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a specific implementation flaw in Android's permission management architecture. The absence of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically by malicious code running in the same security context as legitimate system processes. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor in the permission system that bypasses normal access controls, enabling local attackers to manipulate system-level configurations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to Android device security as it allows for automatic privilege escalation without requiring user intervention or additional attack vectors. The exploitation process leverages the existing system functionality to manipulate location access controls, which are typically protected by robust permission models. Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability can be particularly problematic in enterprise environments where system-level packages may require location access for legitimate business functions. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it operates silently in the background, making detection difficult and potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to system resources. This flaw represents a critical weakness in Android's security model, as it undermines the fundamental principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized escalation through legitimate system interfaces.
Organizations and security teams should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the latest Android security patches and monitoring system logs for unusual location access patterns. The recommended approach involves disabling unnecessary system packages that might trigger the vulnerable code path and implementing additional access controls around location services. Security professionals should also consider deploying behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous permission changes or privilege escalation attempts. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability affects systems that must maintain strict access controls and could potentially violate industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough code review processes for permission management systems and highlights the need for continuous security testing of core system components. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation measures to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include specific evaluation of system permission mechanisms to identify similar logic errors that could provide unauthorized access paths.