CVE-2026-28664 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/08/2026
In WriteImageToDisk of runtime_image.cc, there is a possible file tampering due to a logic error in the code. 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 within the WriteImageToDisk function located in the runtime_image.cc source file represents a critical logical flaw that compromises the integrity of system image files during disk operations. This logic error occurs when the software fails to properly validate or synchronize data before writing it to persistent storage, creating an opportunity for unauthorized modification of these files. In operating systems and embedded environments where such functions are prevalent, the integrity of boot images, firmware updates, or critical runtime configurations is paramount. When a logic error allows for file tampering during this specific write operation, it undermines the fundamental trust model that relies on these files remaining unaltered from their verified state to execution time. This type of flaw is particularly dangerous because it does not require complex exploitation techniques involving memory corruption or buffer overflows; instead, it exploits a procedural failure in how data is committed to disk, making it potentially easier to trigger under the right conditions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability facilitates local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges for the attacker. This means that any user account with access to the specific context where WriteImageToDisk is invoked can potentially exploit this flaw to gain higher-level system rights. Since no user interaction is needed for exploitation, the attack vector is fully remote or automated if an application triggers this function through normal operation or malicious input. The ability to tamper with files written by this routine allows an attacker to inject malicious code into critical system components or alter configuration settings that dictate security policies. Once these modified files are loaded and executed by higher-privileged processes, the attacker achieves a significant increase in control over the affected system, potentially leading to complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
This vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-367, which describes Time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTOU) race conditions or logic errors where the state checked is not consistent with the state used during execution. It also relates to CWE-20, Improper Input Validation, if the tampering stems from insufficient verification of data integrity before disk commitment. In terms of adversary tactics, this flaw supports techniques found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework such as T1546, Event Triggered Execution, where modifications to system files can trigger malicious behavior upon reboot or service restart. Furthermore, it facilitates T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, if the tampered images allow for arbitrary code execution within a privileged context. The lack of required user interaction classifies this as an automated attack vector, increasing its severity in threat modeling exercises because it can be exploited by malware running with minimal privileges to escalate itself silently.
Mitigation strategies must focus on hardening the logic surrounding disk write operations and ensuring strict integrity checks are implemented before any data is committed to storage. Developers should implement atomic file writing techniques where possible, using temporary files that are renamed only after successful verification of content integrity. Implementing cryptographic signatures or checksums for critical image files can detect tampering attempts even if they occur during the write process. Additionally, enforcing strict access controls and least privilege principles ensures that fewer processes have the ability to invoke WriteImageToDisk with sensitive targets. Regular code audits focusing on logic flows in file I/O operations are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities across the codebase. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of file modifications or unexpected changes to system images, providing an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts that bypass static analysis controls.