CVE-2026-0073 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 05/04/2026
In adbd_tls_verify_cert of auth.cpp, there is a possible bypass of wireless ADB mutual authentication due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to remote (proximal/adjacent) code execution as the shell user with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability exists within the adbd_tls_verify_cert function in the auth.cpp file of Android Debug Bridge implementation, representing a critical security flaw in the wireless ADB mutual authentication mechanism. This logic error creates a pathway for attackers to bypass the intended certificate verification process that should ensure both client and server authenticate each other before establishing a secure connection. The flaw specifically affects the wireless ADB functionality where devices communicate over network connections rather than direct USB interfaces, making it particularly concerning for remote exploitation scenarios.
The technical implementation error stems from improper certificate validation logic that fails to correctly verify the authenticity of certificates presented during the mutual authentication process. When wireless ADB is enabled on an Android device, the system should validate that the connecting client possesses a valid certificate issued by the device's trusted certificate authority. However, the flawed code path allows attackers to present forged or invalid certificates that pass the verification routine, effectively undermining the entire security model designed to prevent unauthorized access. This represents a direct violation of the principle of mutual authentication where both parties must prove their identity before establishing trust.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for devices running wireless ADB functionality, as it enables remote code execution as the shell user without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction. The attack can be executed from adjacent network proximity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wireless ADB is enabled on devices accessible from untrusted networks. The exploitability is further enhanced by the fact that no user interaction is required, meaning attackers can leverage this flaw automatically without prompting users to perform any actions. This characteristic aligns with the ATT&CK framework's concept of privilege escalation through authentication bypass techniques, specifically targeting the credential access and execution domains.
The security implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as the shell user context provides extensive system-level capabilities including file system manipulation, process control, and potentially access to sensitive device data. This vulnerability essentially transforms a controlled debugging interface into a potential attack vector that could be exploited by adversaries to gain persistent access to mobile devices. The flaw is particularly concerning because wireless ADB is often enabled in development environments and may remain active in production devices, creating a persistent security risk. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for wireless ADB traffic to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that wireless debugging is disabled in production environments where it is not strictly required. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-295 which addresses improper certificate validation and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through wireless networks and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Android versions, disabling wireless ADB functionality in production environments, and implementing network-level controls to prevent unauthorized wireless ADB connections. System administrators should also consider deploying security monitoring solutions that can detect unusual wireless ADB connection patterns and certificate validation failures. The most effective long-term solution involves ensuring that wireless ADB is only enabled when absolutely necessary and that proper network access controls are implemented to restrict who can connect to devices with wireless debugging enabled. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify devices with wireless ADB enabled and ensure that appropriate security controls are in place to prevent exploitation of this and similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities.