CVE-2026-26208 in ADB-Explorer
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2026
ADB Explorer is a fluent UI for ADB on Windows. Prior to Beta 0.9.26020, ADB Explorer is vulnerable to Insecure Deserialization leading to Remote Code Execution. The application attempts to deserialize the App.txt settings file using Newtonsoft.Json with TypeNameHandling set to Objects. This allows an attacker to supply a crafted JSON file containing a gadget chain (e.g., ObjectDataProvider) to execute arbitrary code when the application launches and subsequently saves its settings. This vulnerability is fixed in Beta 0.9.26020.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2026-26208 affects ADB Explorer, a Windows application that provides a fluent user interface for Android Debug Bridge operations. This tool serves as a bridge between developers and Android devices, enabling various debugging and development tasks through a graphical interface. The application's design includes persistent settings storage functionality that utilizes a file named App.txt to maintain user preferences and configuration data. The vulnerability stems from the application's insecure deserialization practices within its settings handling mechanism, creating a critical security risk for users who may unknowingly execute malicious code.
The technical flaw manifests in how ADB Explorer processes its configuration file using the Newtonsoft.Json library with TypeNameHandling set to Objects. This configuration parameter enables the deserialization process to include type information from the serialized data, which creates a dangerous attack surface. When an attacker crafts a malicious JSON payload containing serialized objects with specific type information, the application's deserialization logic can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability specifically leverages gadget chains through components like ObjectDataProvider, which can be triggered during the application's normal startup sequence when it loads and saves settings. This particular deserialization approach allows attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the running application, typically the user's Windows account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker who gains access to the target system can manipulate the App.txt file through various means such as network-based attacks, file system manipulation, or social engineering techniques that lead users to download malicious configuration files. When the vulnerable ADB Explorer application launches, it automatically loads the malicious settings file and executes the embedded payload, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, establish persistence, access sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to Beta 0.9.26020, meaning that users who have not updated their installations remain at risk, particularly those who may be using older versions of the development tools or have not received automatic update notifications.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to execution through serialized objects and privilege escalation. The CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) classification for this issue would be CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a critical weakness that enables attackers to manipulate the deserialization process and execute arbitrary code. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface that includes other insecure deserialization flaws commonly found in applications that process user-supplied data. Organizations using ADB Explorer should prioritize immediate patching to Beta 0.9.26020 and implement additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring, network-based intrusion detection systems, and user education about the risks of downloading untrusted configuration files. The mitigation strategy should also include monitoring for suspicious file modifications in the application's settings directory and implementing least privilege principles for users who interact with the application.