CVE-2026-28653 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/08/2026
In multiple functions of rw_t3t.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. This could lead to local 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 • 09/08/2026
The vulnerability identified in the rw_t3t module represents a critical security flaw rooted in improper handling of arithmetic operations, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds write condition triggered by integer overflow. This type of defect typically occurs when a calculation involving buffer sizes or array indices exceeds the maximum value representable by the data type used for storage, such as a signed 32-bit integer. When this overflow occurs, the resulting negative or unexpectedly large index is passed to memory allocation routines or direct pointer arithmetic operations without adequate validation checks. Consequently, the application attempts to write data to a memory location that lies outside the boundaries of the intended buffer structure. This misalignment allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory regions, which may contain critical control structures such as return addresses, function pointers, or security metadata like stack canaries and heap metadata headers.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-190, known as Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which frequently serves as the precursor to more severe memory corruption vulnerabilities like CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write. The absence of proper boundary checks before performing arithmetic operations on user-supplied or dynamically calculated values creates a predictable attack surface. In the context of rw_t3t, which likely handles raw data processing for NFC tag interactions, the input vectors may include manipulated tag data that triggers these overflow conditions during parsing or transformation functions. Because the vulnerability exists within core processing logic rather than in peripheral validation layers, it is inherently difficult to mitigate through simple input filtering alone without addressing the underlying arithmetic safety mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for local privilege escalation. Since exploitation does not require user interaction and no additional execution privileges are needed beyond those already possessed by a standard unprivileged process, an attacker can potentially achieve code execution with elevated system rights. By carefully crafting malicious input that triggers the integer overflow, an adversary can overwrite memory in a controlled manner to redirect program flow or execute arbitrary shellcode placed within the overwritten buffer region. This capability effectively bypasses standard access controls, allowing the compromise of system integrity and confidentiality. The lack of required user interaction further exacerbates the risk, as automated background processes or services running with limited privileges could be exploited without any direct engagement from a human operator.
To mitigate this vulnerability, developers must implement rigorous input validation and arithmetic safety checks within all functions in rw_t3t.cc that handle size calculations or index manipulations. This includes using safe integer libraries that detect overflow conditions before performing operations, ensuring that calculated sizes do not exceed allocated buffer limits, and validating array indices against upper bounds prior to access. Additionally, enabling compiler-based security features such as stack canaries, Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) can provide essential layers of defense-in-depth that hinder exploitation even if the underlying flaw is triggered. Regular static analysis using tools configured to detect integer overflows and memory safety violations should be integrated into the development lifecycle to identify similar patterns in other modules. Furthermore, adhering to secure coding standards such as CERT C Coding Standard guidelines for arithmetic operations will help prevent recurrence of this class of defects across the codebase.
In terms of threat modeling, this vulnerability maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where an attacker leverages a software flaw to gain higher-level permissions on the target system. The specific mechanism falls under sub-techniques related to memory corruption exploitation, highlighting the importance of monitoring for anomalous process behavior that may indicate attempted privilege escalation attempts via buffer overflows. Organizations should prioritize patching this issue immediately given its high severity and low barrier to entry for attackers seeking local access gains in environments where rw_t3t is deployed.