CVE-2026-0163 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2026
In multiple functions of vpu_ioctl.c, there is a possible use after free due to a use after free. This could lead to remote escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2026
This vulnerability exists within the vpu_ioctl.c driver component where multiple functions exhibit improper memory management practices leading to use-after-free conditions. The flaw occurs when memory allocated for kernel data structures is freed but subsequently accessed by other functions, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from inadequate reference counting mechanisms or improper handling of shared resources within kernel space operations.
The technical implementation involves the kernel driver's ioctl interface where input validation and memory lifecycle management fail to prevent access to deallocated memory regions. When the vpu_ioctl function processes various commands, it may free memory associated with user-supplied data structures without ensuring that all references to those structures are properly invalidated or cleared. This creates a window of opportunity where malicious code can manipulate the freed memory region to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical security risk as it enables remote privilege escalation without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation. The attack vector operates entirely within the kernel space context, allowing attackers to gain full system control through carefully crafted ioctl commands that trigger the use-after-free condition. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it bypasses traditional user-mode security controls and can be exploited over network connections.
The underlying cause aligns with CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free vulnerabilities in memory management. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a privilege escalation technique where adversaries leverage kernel-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges. The exploitability factor is high due to the lack of user interaction requirements and the direct path to kernel execution privileges.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper memory lifecycle management within the driver code, including robust reference counting mechanisms, proper NULL pointer validation after memory deallocation, and comprehensive input sanitization for ioctl operations. Additionally, kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries, kernel address space layout randomization, and control flow integrity checks should be implemented to reduce exploitability. Regular security auditing of kernel modules and implementing the principle of least privilege for driver operations are essential preventive measures. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of thorough code review processes specifically targeting kernel-space memory management practices and adherence to secure coding standards.