CVE-2026-0116 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/10/2026
In __mfc_handle_released_buf of mfc_core_isr.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution 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-2026-0116 resides within the media framework component of embedded systems, specifically in the mfc_core_isr.c file where the __mfc_handle_released_buf function processes buffer management operations. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could be exploited to achieve remote code execution without requiring any privileged execution context or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for network-connected devices. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the buffer handling mechanism, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory operations beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests as a missing bounds check within the buffer management subsystem, which operates at the kernel level in media processing frameworks. When the __mfc_handle_released_buf function processes released buffer information, it fails to validate the size or range of incoming data before writing to memory locations. This absence of validation allows for potential buffer overflow conditions where malicious data could overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical system structures or executing arbitrary code. The flaw operates at the hardware abstraction layer where device drivers interface with kernel memory management, making it particularly severe for embedded systems and mobile devices that rely heavily on media processing capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables remote code execution through network-based attacks without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. Attackers could exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted media data or control commands that trigger the vulnerable buffer handling path. The absence of user interaction requirements means that exploitation could occur automatically upon system exposure to malicious content, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for automated attack scenarios. Systems utilizing this media framework component would be at risk regardless of their network security posture, as the vulnerability exists within the core processing logic rather than in network-facing interfaces.
Security mitigations for CVE-2026-0116 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the buffer management subsystem, ensuring that all buffer operations validate input parameters against predetermined size limits. The recommended approach includes adding explicit range validation checks before any memory write operations, implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, and employing address space layout randomization techniques to complicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should prioritize patching affected firmware versions and consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and script injection, highlighting the potential for remote code execution through buffer overflow exploitation patterns. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their embedded systems to identify similar buffer management flaws that could present analogous risks.