CVE-2026-55285 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/08/2026
In openLogicalChannel of multiple files, there is a possible out-of-bounds write due to a missing bounds check. 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 openLogicalChannel function within the context of multiple file operations represents a critical memory safety defect characterized by an out-of-bounds write condition. This flaw stems directly from a missing bounds check, which fails to validate that data being written or processed falls within the allocated limits of the target buffer or data structure. In systems handling logical channels for multiple files, such as those found in smart card interfaces or secure element communications, precise memory management is paramount. When the application attempts to open a new logical channel without verifying that the index or identifier does not exceed the maximum number of supported channels, it permits an attacker to write data beyond the intended boundaries of the associated array or buffer. This lack of validation allows for arbitrary memory modification, which can corrupt adjacent data structures, overwrite function return addresses, or alter critical control flags within the process memory space.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, as it involves writing to a memory location that is outside the bounds of the intended buffer. The absence of proper input validation on the channel identifier enables an attacker to manipulate internal state variables or overwrite critical system structures. Because logical channels often manage persistent connections and security contexts in secure hardware interfaces like smart cards, compromising this mechanism can lead to significant integrity violations. An attacker who can trigger this out-of-bounds write may be able to bypass access control mechanisms embedded within the firmware or operating system layer that manages these channels. This capability effectively neutralizes the isolation boundaries intended by the multi-file architecture, allowing unauthorized modifications to sensitive data structures that govern authentication and authorization processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for local privilege escalation. Since no additional execution privileges are required beyond what a standard user or process possesses to initiate the channel opening operation, the attack surface is broadened significantly. User interaction is not needed for exploitation, meaning that an attacker could potentially trigger this flaw through automated scripts or background processes without any direct engagement from the end-user. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted applications run with standard user privileges but have access to smart card interfaces or similar hardware abstraction layers. By exploiting the out-of-bounds write, a low-privileged process can potentially gain higher-level permissions, such as administrative rights or root access, thereby compromising the entire system's security posture. This scenario is consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where an adversary leverages software vulnerabilities to increase their level of access on a compromised host.
Mitigation strategies must focus primarily on rigorous input validation and memory safety enforcement at the source code level. Developers should implement strict bounds checking within the openLogicalChannel function to ensure that any requested channel identifier is strictly less than the maximum number of supported logical channels defined by the system architecture. Additionally, employing static analysis tools during the development phase can help identify such missing checks before deployment. Runtime protection mechanisms, such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP), may mitigate the likelihood of successful exploitation but do not address the root cause. Therefore, patching the underlying code to enforce proper boundary conditions is essential. Furthermore, adopting memory-safe programming languages or using libraries that provide automatic bounds checking can prevent similar vulnerabilities in future implementations. Regular security audits focusing on smart card interfaces and logical channel management are recommended to ensure continued compliance with secure coding standards like CWE-20: Improper Input Validation.