CVE-2026-56882 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
In Cellular Modem, there is a possible information disclosure due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2026
The identified vulnerability resides within the firmware or software stack of cellular modems, specifically stemming from a critical logic error that facilitates unauthorized information disclosure. Cellular modems serve as essential gateways in modern IoT and mobile infrastructure, managing complex communication protocols such as LTE, 5G NR, and legacy GSM standards. These components often handle sensitive data including IMSI numbers, location tracking data, cryptographic keys, and network configuration parameters. A logic error that leads to information disclosure implies a failure in the internal state management or access control mechanisms of the modem firmware. This flaw allows an attacker to extract confidential system states or memory contents without proper authentication or authorization checks. The nature of this vulnerability suggests that the modem fails to properly isolate sensitive data structures from less privileged processes or external interfaces, potentially exposing them through debug ports, AT command sets, or malformed protocol messages.
The operational impact of this flaw is severe because it serves as a precursor to remote code execution (RCE). In many embedded systems and network equipment, information disclosure vulnerabilities are rarely isolated incidents but rather stepping stones in an attack chain. By exploiting the logic error to read specific memory regions or configuration registers, an attacker can gather precise details about the modem's architecture, loaded libraries, stack pointers, and security mitigations such as ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) offsets. This intelligence is crucial for crafting reliable exploit payloads that bypass existing defenses. The ability to achieve remote code execution with no additional privileges means that even a low-privileged process or an unauthenticated external entity can gain full control over the modem's processor. This effectively compromises the integrity and confidentiality of all data passing through the cellular interface, allowing for traffic interception, manipulation, or complete takeover of the host device connected to the modem.
From a threat actor perspective, this vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction and does not demand elevated privileges on the target system prior to exploitation. This characteristic aligns with high-severity classifications in industry standards such as CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code). The lack of user interaction makes automated scanning and widespread propagation feasible, while the absence of privilege requirements lowers the barrier for entry significantly. In the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability supports techniques related to Initial Access via Exploit Public-Facing Application and Defense Evasion through Obfuscated Files or Information if the disclosed data is used to bypass security controls. Furthermore, it facilitates Lateral Movement within a network if the compromised modem acts as a bridge between untrusted external networks and trusted internal systems.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves applying vendor-provided firmware patches that correct the underlying logic error in memory handling or access control routines. Developers should implement strict input validation for all AT commands and protocol messages, ensuring that requests do not trigger unintended state transitions or memory accesses. Additionally, enforcing principle of least privilege within the modem's operating system can limit the damage if a vulnerability is exploited. Security hardening measures such as enabling hardware-based isolation features like TrustZone on ARM processors should be verified to ensure they are active and correctly configured. Regular security audits focusing on embedded C/C++ code for common pitfalls like buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, and logic flaws in state machines are essential. Finally, network segmentation strategies should isolate cellular modems from critical internal infrastructure to contain potential breaches until patches can be deployed.