CVE-2026-0038 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/02/2026
In multiple functions of mem_protect.c, there is a possible way to execute arbitrary code 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-2026-0038 represents a critical security flaw within the memory protection mechanisms of a software system, specifically within the mem_protect.c module. This issue stems from a logic error that creates an exploitable condition allowing for arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists across multiple functions within the memory protection framework, suggesting a systemic weakness rather than an isolated incident. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by its potential for local privilege escalation, meaning that an attacker with minimal privileges could leverage this flaw to gain elevated system access without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction to initiate the attack.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the realm of software logic errors that can be exploited to bypass security controls. This type of flaw typically involves incorrect conditional statements, improper validation of input parameters, or flawed control flow logic that allows unauthorized code execution paths. The fact that multiple functions contain this logic error indicates a fundamental design issue within the memory protection subsystem rather than a simple coding mistake. Such vulnerabilities often align with CWE-697, which addresses incorrect comparison issues that can lead to security flaws, or CWE-755, which covers weakness in the design of the system's security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to include significant privilege escalation potential. When a local user can exploit this flaw without requiring additional privileges or user interaction, the attack surface becomes extremely broad and dangerous. The vulnerability's characteristics suggest it could be exploited by malicious processes running with standard user privileges to gain root or administrator access to the underlying system. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for environments where multiple users share the same system resources, as any compromised account could potentially lead to full system compromise.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and could also map to T1548.001, 'Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism'. The lack of user interaction requirement means that automated exploitation tools could potentially leverage this flaw without human intervention, making it particularly dangerous for systems that are not regularly updated or patched. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority issue requiring immediate attention, especially in environments where local privilege escalation capabilities could be leveraged to access sensitive data or establish persistent access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate code review and patching of the affected mem_protect.c module. Organizations should implement comprehensive code auditing procedures to identify similar logic errors in other security-critical components. The fix should address the specific logic error that allows for arbitrary code execution while maintaining the intended memory protection functionality. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, code integrity checking, and privilege separation mechanisms to reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar logic errors that might exist in other parts of the software stack.