CVE-2026-0117 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2026
In mfc_dec_dqbuf of mfc_dec_v4l2.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. 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 • 03/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-0117 resides within the mfc_dec_dqbuf function of the mfc_dec_v4l2.c file, representing a critical security flaw in the multimedia framework's video decoding subsystem. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that stems from an inadequate bounds checking mechanism, allowing malicious code to potentially overwrite memory regions beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability affects the Samsung MFC (Multi Media Framework) driver implementation, which is integral to video decoding operations on Android devices. The flaw specifically impacts the dequeue buffer operation within the V4L2 (Video4Linux2) framework, where the driver processes video frames for decoding and output. The incorrect bounds check fails to properly validate the size or index values before writing data to memory locations, creating a pathway for unauthorized memory modification.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically during normal video processing operations. The out-of-bounds write condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical kernel data structures or executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represents a classic example of a buffer overflow condition that can lead to privilege escalation. The attack vector operates through the normal operation of video decoding processes, where malicious video content or crafted media files can trigger the vulnerable code path during buffer handling operations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that no user interaction is required for exploitation, meaning that simply playing or processing video content can trigger the privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-0117 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise, as the attacker can leverage the elevated privileges to access sensitive system resources, modify critical files, or establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability affects devices running Android systems with the affected MFC driver implementation, potentially compromising millions of devices globally. The exploitability characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1059, covering 'Command and Scripting Interpreter', as the escalation can lead to further attack surface expansion. The vulnerability's presence in the kernel-level driver components means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, as the attacker would gain access to the highest privilege level within the operating system. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile devices, where users may unknowingly trigger exploitation through normal media consumption activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in kernel drivers, as improper bounds checking in critical system components can lead to severe security consequences. Mitigation efforts should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, along with monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and implementing additional runtime protections to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.