CVE-2026-0171 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
In multiple locations, there is a possible out-of-bounds write due to a logic error in the code. 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 • 09/15/2026
The vulnerability described constitutes a critical security flaw characterized by an out-of-bounds write resulting from a fundamental logic error within the application's source code. Out-of-bounds writes are among the most dangerous memory corruption vulnerabilities because they allow an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations with arbitrary data, potentially altering program control flow or injecting malicious payloads directly into executable regions of memory. The presence of this flaw in multiple locations suggests that the issue is systemic rather than isolated, indicating a lack of rigorous bounds checking and input validation throughout the affected codebase. This pattern often stems from insufficient verification of array indices, buffer sizes, or pointer arithmetic before performing write operations, allowing external inputs to dictate where data is stored beyond the allocated boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for remote code execution without requiring additional privileges or user interaction. Remote code execution represents the highest level of compromise in standard security risk assessments because it grants an attacker full control over the affected system, effectively bypassing all operating-level access controls and authentication mechanisms. The fact that no user interaction is required significantly lowers the barrier to exploitation, transforming this from a potential threat into an immediate and active danger. Attackers can automate the delivery of exploit payloads through network requests or automated scanning tools, enabling widespread propagation across vulnerable systems without any need for social engineering or physical access. This characteristic aligns with high-severity ratings in vulnerability databases due to the ease of exploitation and the catastrophic consequences of successful compromise.
From a technical classification perspective, this flaw maps directly to Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-787, which defines out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities where data is written past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. The logic error component suggests that while memory allocation may have occurred correctly, the conditional checks governing access were flawed, allowing invalid indices to pass validation and trigger the overwrite. In terms of adversary tactics, this vulnerability facilitates techniques associated with MITRE ATT&CK framework identifiers such as T1203 for exploitation of client software or T1190 for exploiting public-facing applications if the service is network-accessible. The ability to execute code remotely places it within the initial access and execution phases of an attack lifecycle, allowing adversaries to establish a foothold and pivot further into internal networks.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Developers should immediately audit all instances where buffer writes occur, ensuring that every write operation is preceded by strict validation of input lengths against allocated buffer sizes. Implementing static analysis tools integrated into the continuous integration pipeline can help detect these logic errors early in the development lifecycle. Furthermore, adopting memory-safe programming languages or using compiler-based protections such as stack canaries, Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) can mitigate the likelihood of successful code execution even if an out-of-bounds write occurs. Network-level defenses like Web Application Firewalls may also provide temporary relief by filtering malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable application logic, though these are not substitutes for fixing the underlying source code defect.