CVE-2026-0200 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
In Cellular Modem, there is a possible out-of-bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. This could lead to remote 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 • 09/15/2026
The identified vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within the cellular modem subsystem, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds write resulting from a heap buffer overflow. In modern mobile device architectures, the cellular modem operates largely independently of the main application processor to handle low-level radio frequency communications and network protocol stacks. This architectural separation is designed to enhance stability and performance but introduces complex attack surfaces where memory management errors can have severe consequences. The specific nature of this flaw involves a failure in bounds checking during data processing operations within the heap, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated boundaries of a buffer. Such overflows are particularly dangerous because they do not merely corrupt local stack variables but instead alter adjacent memory structures on the heap, which can include critical control flow data such as function pointers or object metadata.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is profound due to its potential for remote escalation of privilege without requiring user interaction. Typically, exploiting a buffer overflow requires some form of social engineering or physical access, but in this case, the vector allows an attacker to trigger the flaw remotely through maliciously crafted network packets sent over cellular networks like LTE or 5G NR. Since no additional execution privileges are needed, even a low-privileged process or an unauthenticated remote actor can initiate the exploit chain. The lack of user interaction significantly lowers the barrier for exploitation, enabling automated attacks that do not depend on human error or specific device states beyond network connectivity. This characteristic makes the vulnerability highly attractive to threat actors seeking silent, persistent access to compromised devices.
From a technical perspective, heap buffer overflows often lead to arbitrary code execution by corrupting memory allocation metadata such as free lists or size fields. When an attacker controls these corrupted structures, they can manipulate subsequent memory allocations to gain control over program flow. In the context of a cellular modem, which runs complex protocol stacks with deep call chains and extensive state management, exploiting this flaw could allow an adversary to execute arbitrary code within the modem firmware environment. Depending on the isolation mechanisms between the modem processor and the application processor, successful exploitation might lead directly to full device compromise or serve as a pivot point for further attacks against the host operating system if memory sharing or inter-processor communication channels are present.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) identifier CWE-120, which describes buffer copy without checking size limits, and more specifically relates to heap-based overflows that facilitate control flow hijacking. In terms of the MITRE ATT&CK framework for mobile platforms, this exploit technique falls under privilege escalation via memory corruption vulnerabilities, potentially mapping to tactics involving initial access through network services and subsequent execution with elevated privileges. The remote nature of the attack vector also correlates with techniques observed in advanced persistent threats that target IoT and cellular-connected devices to establish long-term footholds without detection.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Primary mitigation involves patching the specific memory handling routines within the modem firmware to enforce strict bounds checking on all heap allocations derived from external inputs. Developers should implement safe string manipulation functions and validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size buffers. Additionally, enabling hardware-based security features such as Memory Protection Units (MPU) or Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) can mitigate exploitation by making it difficult for attackers to predict memory layouts required for successful code execution. Firmware updates should be prioritized through secure boot mechanisms and signed images to ensure that only verified patches are deployed. Furthermore, network operators and device manufacturers should collaborate on threat intelligence sharing regarding cellular protocol vulnerabilities to rapidly disseminate fixes across the ecosystem before widespread exploitation occurs.