CVE-2026-0119 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2026
In usim_SendMCCMNCIndMsg of usim_Registration.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to memory corruption. This could lead to physical 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-2026-0119 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the usim_SendMCCMNCIndMsg function of the usim_Registration.c source file. This issue manifests as a potential out of bounds write condition that arises from improper memory handling during mobile network registration processes. The vulnerability exists within the Universal Subscriber Identity Module implementation, which is responsible for managing subscriber identity information and network registration procedures in mobile devices. The flaw specifically occurs when the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries while processing Mobile Country Code and Mobile Network Code indicators during the SIM card registration sequence.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it under CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions where programs write data past the end of allocated buffers. This memory corruption vulnerability enables an attacker to manipulate the program's memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The exploitability of this flaw does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically during normal network registration procedures. The vulnerability's design allows for privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges, meaning that an attacker can leverage this flaw to gain system-level access from a standard user context. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact of the vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-0119 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates opportunities for persistent system compromise through physical access or network-based attacks. Mobile devices that rely on the affected usim_Registration.c implementation become vulnerable to unauthorized privilege escalation during routine network operations, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive subscriber data, modify network registration parameters, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's presence in core mobile network registration functionality means that any device utilizing this codebase could be compromised during standard network connection processes. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and T1547, which addresses persistence mechanisms that can be established through system-level access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-0119 should focus on implementing robust input validation and memory boundary checks within the usim_Registration.c file. The most effective approach involves adding comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms before any memory write operations occur, ensuring that all data written to memory buffers remains within allocated boundaries. Additionally, implementing stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and other exploit mitigation techniques can help prevent successful exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should prioritize immediate firmware updates that address the specific memory handling issues in the usim_SendMCCMNCIndMsg function, while also conducting thorough code reviews of similar functions within the same codebase to identify potential analogous vulnerabilities. Network operators should consider implementing temporary network-level restrictions that limit SIM card registration procedures until patches are deployed, as this vulnerability can be exploited during routine network connection processes without requiring user interaction or additional privileges. The vulnerability's nature suggests that defensive programming practices including buffer overflow protection and proper memory management should be enforced throughout the entire mobile network registration subsystem to prevent similar issues from emerging in other functions.