CVE-2026-45528 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/08/2026
In getManageSpaceActivityIntent of StorageManagerService.java, there is a possible LaunchAnyWhere chain due to an unsafe PendingIntent. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2026
The vulnerability identified in the getManageSpaceActivityIntent method within StorageManagerService.java represents a critical security flaw rooted in improper handling of PendingIntents, specifically manifesting as an unsafe LaunchAnyWhere chain. In Android architecture, PendingIntent objects serve as tokens that allow external applications to perform actions on behalf of the originating application with its permissions. When these intents are constructed or returned without strict validation and appropriate flags, they can be exploited by malicious entities to bypass standard security boundaries. The specific issue here involves the creation or exposure of a PendingIntents object that lacks necessary restrictions, such as FLAG_IMMUTABLE or proper component filtering, which effectively allows any application on the device to trigger the associated activity regardless of its intended scope. This misconfiguration creates an attack vector where an attacker can chain multiple intents together to escalate privileges from a low-privileged context to higher privilege levels within the system.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-940, which describes Improper Verification of Component Authorization, and more specifically relates to issues involving unsafe intent handling often categorized under CWE-732 or related permission bypass vulnerabilities in mobile operating systems. The core mechanism relies on the fact that once an attacker obtains a reference to such an unrestricted PendingIntent, they can invoke it programmatically without requiring user interaction for each step of the chain, although initial exploitation may require some form of social engineering or prior access to trigger the initial exposure. This capability enables local privilege escalation because the invoked activity runs with the permissions and identity of StorageManagerService, which typically holds elevated system privileges necessary for managing storage spaces and file systems on Android devices. By leveraging this flaw, an attacker can potentially execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged service, gaining access to sensitive data or modifying system configurations that should be restricted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for local privilege escalation without additional execution privileges beyond what might be obtained through minimal user interaction. An adversary who successfully exploits this flaw can gain control over critical storage management functions, potentially leading to unauthorized modification of files, exfiltration of private data stored in managed spaces, or disruption of system stability by manipulating storage states. Since the exploitation does not require root access or complex exploit chains involving kernel vulnerabilities, it significantly lowers the barrier for entry for attackers targeting Android devices. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where device management policies rely on the integrity of system services to enforce security controls and data protection standards.
Mitigation strategies must focus on hardening the construction and usage of PendingIntents within StorageManagerService.java. Developers should ensure that all PendingIntent objects are created with immutable flags, such as FLAG_IMMUTABLE or FLAG_MUTABLE depending on specific requirements but always accompanied by explicit component restrictions to prevent arbitrary invocation. It is crucial to validate the target activity's package name and class explicitly rather than relying on implicit intent resolution mechanisms which can be intercepted or redirected by malicious applications. Additionally, implementing strict permission checks before returning any PendingIntents from system services ensures that only authorized components with appropriate signatures can access these tokens. Regular code audits focusing on intent handling patterns and adherence to Android security best practices outlined in official documentation are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Updating affected devices to versions where this flaw has been patched is the primary remediation step for end-users, while developers must review their implementation of storage management APIs to ensure compliance with current secure coding standards.