CVE-2026-0111 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/10/2026
In ns_GetUserData of ns_SmscbUtilities.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to remote 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 • 03/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-0111 resides within the ns_GetUserData function of the ns_SmscbUtilities.c file, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that fundamentally compromises system integrity. This issue manifests from an improper bounds checking mechanism that fails to adequately validate array access parameters, creating a pathway for malicious data injection beyond allocated memory boundaries. The flaw specifically targets the SMS cell broadcast utilities component, which handles telecommunications data processing and management functions within the affected software ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices that allow attackers to manipulate data structures through carefully crafted inputs. When the ns_GetUserData function processes incoming SMS cell broadcast data, it performs insufficient boundary checks before writing data to memory locations, enabling an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory regions with malicious content. This improper bounds validation creates a predictable memory corruption scenario where attacker-controlled data can be written beyond intended buffer limits, potentially corrupting critical program state or executable code segments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it enables remote privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. This characteristic places the vulnerability in a particularly dangerous category since it can be exploited entirely through network-based attacks without the need for physical access or user engagement. The absence of user interaction requirements significantly increases the attack surface and exploitability, as the vulnerability can be triggered automatically upon receiving specific SMS cell broadcast messages. This remote exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through software vulnerabilities, while the remote nature of the attack maps to T1190 for exploitation of remote services.
The implications of this vulnerability are severe for telecommunications infrastructure and mobile device security, as SMS cell broadcast messages are commonly used for emergency alerts, weather warnings, and other critical communications. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw could gain elevated privileges on affected systems, potentially allowing full system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-129 indicates it involves improper validation of the length, size, or number of input data, while the privilege escalation aspect corresponds to CWE-264, highlighting improper privilege management within the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate patching requirements and broader security architecture improvements. Organizations should prioritize applying vendor-provided security updates that correct the bounds checking implementation in ns_GetUserData function, ensuring that all affected systems receive timely remediation. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual SMS cell broadcast traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while implementing application-level sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms can help contain potential exploitation impacts. The solution approach should follow security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-128 for vulnerability management and remediation, emphasizing both preventive and detective controls to protect against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.