CVE-2026-58825 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2026
In multiple functions of fork.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 • 11/02/2026
The vulnerability identified involves a critical memory management flaw within the core process creation mechanisms of the operating system, specifically located in multiple functions associated with fork.c. This issue manifests as a use-after-free condition resulting from a logic error during the handling of kernel data structures when spawning new processes. In standard Unix-like systems, the fork operation is fundamental to creating child processes that are copies of their parent process. The vulnerability arises because certain internal pointers or references within these structures are not properly invalidated or managed after the associated memory has been freed or reallocated by subsequent operations. This logical oversight means that if an attacker can trigger specific sequences of process creation and termination, they may cause the kernel to access memory regions that have already been released back to the system allocator for reuse.
From a technical perspective, this use-after-free scenario allows for arbitrary read and potentially write capabilities within the kernel address space. When the freed memory is reallocated for unrelated purposes, such as allocating structures for new processes or network buffers, the stale pointer may reference these newly allocated objects. By carefully crafting the contents of the subsequent allocations, an attacker can control what data resides in that memory location. This capability effectively bypasses standard isolation boundaries between user-space applications and kernel-space operations. The flaw does not require any special privileges to exploit initially, nor does it demand interaction from a legitimate user once triggered by a malicious application running under low-privilege accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for local privilege escalation. An attacker who successfully exploits this logic error can execute arbitrary code with the highest level of system authority, typically root or SYSTEM privileges. This transformation from unprivileged user to administrator allows complete control over the affected host. The consequences include unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent backdoors, modification of security policies, and potential lateral movement within a network if this machine serves as an entry point for further attacks. Because no additional execution privileges are needed beyond basic local access, the attack surface is significantly broadened, affecting any system where untrusted users can execute code or scripts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes Use After Free errors, a category of bugs that frequently lead to memory corruption and security breaches in complex software systems like operating system kernels. Furthermore, from the perspective of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this flaw facilitates techniques related to Privilege Escalation via Exploitation of Local Vulnerabilities (T1068) and potentially Memory Corruption (T1207). The lack of user interaction requirement places it in a high-risk category for automated exploitation tools that scan for local privilege escalation vectors.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate patching by the vendor, as this is an intrinsic flaw in the source code logic rather than a configuration issue. Administrators should apply security updates promptly to close the gap between process creation and memory management routines. In environments where patches cannot be applied immediately, defense-in-depth measures such as strict resource limits (ulimits) on fork operations can help mitigate the frequency of exploitation attempts. Additionally, enabling kernel-level protections like Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR), Stack Canaries, and Full RELRO can increase the difficulty for attackers to successfully leverage this vulnerability by making memory layout unpredictable and detecting stack corruption early. Regular auditing of system logs for unusual process creation patterns may also aid in detecting active exploitation attempts before significant damage occurs.