CVE-2026-56941 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
In multiple functions of fpc_tee_hal.c, there is a possible use-after-free 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 • 09/15/2026
The vulnerability identified within the fpc_tee_hal.c module represents a critical security flaw rooted in improper memory management practices, specifically manifesting as a use-after-free condition. This type of defect occurs when software continues to reference a pointer after the memory it points to has been deallocated or freed by another part of the system. In this specific instance, the root cause is attributed to a logic error within multiple functions of the fingerprint sensor trusted execution environment hardware abstraction layer. The presence of such an error indicates that the code fails to properly synchronize access to shared resources or neglects to nullify pointers after freeing them, allowing subsequent operations to interact with memory regions that may have been reallocated for different purposes or marked as available for new allocations by the operating system kernel.
From a technical perspective, use-after-free vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can lead to arbitrary code execution, data corruption, and denial of service conditions depending on how the freed memory is subsequently utilized. When an attacker triggers this logic error, they may be able to manipulate the contents of the previously freed memory block or cause the system to execute instructions from a maliciously crafted payload placed in that memory region. Since the vulnerability resides within fpc_tee_hal.c, which interfaces with trusted execution environments often responsible for handling sensitive biometric data and authentication tokens, the implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation. The integrity of secure enclaves could be compromised, potentially allowing an adversary to bypass security controls designed to protect user credentials or personal information stored in these protected areas.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges from the attacker. This characteristic significantly lowers the barrier to exploitation, as it does not necessitate complex social engineering tactics or specific application-level access vectors that might be restricted by standard user permissions. Furthermore, the fact that user interaction is not required for exploitation means that an attacker could potentially trigger this flaw through automated scripts or background processes running with minimal privileges. This transforms a theoretical vulnerability into a practical and high-risk threat vector capable of compromising system integrity from a low-privileged context, effectively allowing a malicious actor to gain administrative control over the device by exploiting the race conditions or state inconsistencies inherent in the flawed logic.
In terms of industry classification standards, this flaw aligns with CWE-416, which defines use-after-free errors as situations where pointers are used after they have been freed. The exploitation technique likely falls under MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and potentially memory corruption attacks such as those categorized under T1203 or similar exploit mechanisms that leverage software vulnerabilities for unauthorized access. Understanding these mappings is crucial for security teams aiming to prioritize remediation efforts based on established risk frameworks and common vulnerability enumerations used globally by cybersecurity professionals.
To mitigate this vulnerability, developers must implement rigorous memory management protocols within the fpc_tee_hal.c module. This includes ensuring that all pointers are set to null immediately after being freed to prevent accidental dereferencing, implementing reference counting mechanisms where appropriate to track object lifecycles accurately, and utilizing static analysis tools during the development phase to detect potential logic errors related to resource handling. Additionally, enabling compiler-based security features such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization can help mitigate the impact of exploitation attempts by making it more difficult for attackers to predict memory layouts and execute arbitrary code. Regular auditing of hardware abstraction layer code against secure coding standards is essential to prevent similar defects from persisting in future releases.