CVE-2026-59014 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2026
In multiple locations, there is a possible out-of-bounds write due to an integer overflow. 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 described constitutes a critical security flaw characterized by an integer overflow that subsequently triggers an out-of-bounds memory write operation. Integer overflows occur when arithmetic operations produce results exceeding the maximum value representable by the allocated data type, causing the value to wrap around to a small positive number or negative value depending on whether signed or unsigned integers are involved. In this specific context, the flawed logic likely involves calculations related buffer sizes, array indices, or loop counters where the resulting miscalculated size is significantly smaller than intended due to the overflow condition. This erroneous calculation leads the application to allocate insufficient memory or write data beyond the boundaries of a designated buffer structure. The out-of-bounds write allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations that may contain critical control data such as return addresses, function pointers, or security cookies used by stack protection mechanisms like Stack Canaries.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-190 Integer Overflow or Wraparound and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write. The core issue lies in the failure of the software to properly validate input values before performing arithmetic operations that determine memory allocation or access boundaries. When an integer overflow occurs during these calculations, the resulting buffer size is drastically reduced, yet subsequent write operations proceed based on the original, larger expected length. This discrepancy creates a window for arbitrary code execution if the overwritten memory controls program flow, or privilege escalation if it modifies security-critical structures within the kernel or privileged process space. The absence of proper bounds checking and input sanitization at the point where user-supplied data influences these calculations is the fundamental root cause enabling this exploitation vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges from an attacker. This means that any authenticated user, or potentially even unauthenticated users depending on the specific service affected, can exploit this flaw to gain higher-level access rights than originally granted. Since no further execution privileges are needed beyond what a standard low-privileged account possesses, the barrier for entry is minimal. Furthermore, the fact that user interaction is not required significantly increases the risk profile of this vulnerability. It implies that automated exploitation tools could target systems remotely or via background processes without needing to trick an administrator into clicking a link or opening a malicious file. This characteristic makes it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where lateral movement and privilege escalation are primary goals for attackers seeking persistent access or control over sensitive infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies must address both the immediate technical flaw and broader architectural weaknesses. The most direct remediation involves code review to identify all arithmetic operations involving user-controlled inputs that determine buffer sizes or array indices, ensuring they include explicit checks for overflow conditions before execution. Developers should utilize safe integer libraries or language features that automatically handle bounds checking where applicable. Additionally, implementing compiler-level protections such as Stack Canaries, Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) can mitigate the impact of successful exploitation by making it harder to reliably execute shellcode or bypass memory protection mechanisms. From a defense-in-depth perspective, applying principle of least privilege ensures that even if an attacker exploits this vulnerability, their ability to cause damage is limited. Regular security audits and static application security testing should be integrated into the development lifecycle to detect such integer handling errors early in the software design phase rather than after deployment.