CVE-2026-59028 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2026
In resolveAidConflictLocked of RegisteredAidCache.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to a confused deputy. 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 in the resolveAidConflictLocked method within the RegisteredAidCache.java file represents a critical security flaw rooted in a confused deputy scenario, which fundamentally compromises the integrity of access control mechanisms on affected systems. This specific type of weakness occurs when an application, acting with elevated privileges or trusted status, is tricked into performing unauthorized actions on behalf of an untrusted actor. In this context, the RegisteredAidCache likely manages cached data related to Android Identity and Credential (AID) registrations, which are sensitive components governing device identity and authentication processes. The flaw allows a local attacker who has already achieved some level of code execution or access within the system boundary to manipulate the cache resolution logic in such a way that it grants permissions or privileges that should not be available to them. This bypass is particularly dangerous because it does not require any direct user interaction, meaning an automated exploit can trigger the condition silently and effectively without alerting the end-user or triggering standard security warnings associated with interactive permission requests.
From a technical perspective, the confusion arises from how the system validates the source of cache update requests versus who actually benefits from those updates. The resolveAidConflictLocked function appears to fail in properly distinguishing between legitimate administrative operations initiated by trusted system services and malicious attempts originating from lower-privileged processes or applications. By exploiting this logic error, an attacker can force the system to register or modify AID entries under conditions that bypass standard authorization checks. This effectively allows a low-privilege entity to elevate its status within the Android security model, potentially gaining access to protected APIs, sensitive user data, or device-specific identifiers that are normally restricted to higher-level services like the System Server or privileged applications. The absence of required execution privileges for exploitation further lowers the barrier to entry for attackers, as they only need a foothold in the system rather than complex privilege escalation chains involving kernel exploits or other high-severity vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, primarily due to its potential for local privilege escalation. Once an attacker successfully leverages this confused deputy flaw, they can achieve persistent access with elevated privileges that may include root-level control depending on the specific implementation details and Android version in question. This level of access enables a wide range of malicious activities, including but not limited to stealing sensitive personal information such as contacts, messages, and authentication tokens; installing malware without detection by security software; disabling security features like Google Play Protect or device encryption; and maintaining long-term persistence on the compromised device. Because user interaction is not required, this vulnerability can be exploited in scenarios where a malicious application runs silently in the background, waiting for an opportunity to trigger the cache conflict resolution logic during normal system operations. This makes detection difficult through traditional behavioral analysis tools that rely on observing explicit user actions or permission grants.
In terms of industry standards and threat modeling, this vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-269, which covers Improper Privilege Management, specifically in contexts where a privileged process performs an action for an unprivileged entity without adequate verification. It also maps to the ATT&CK framework technique T1078, Valid Accounts, as it allows an attacker to leverage legitimate system mechanisms to gain unauthorized access levels akin to having valid administrative credentials. Furthermore, the mechanism of exploiting a confused deputy is often associated with CWE-264 or related trust boundary violations where the system fails to enforce separation between different security contexts. Understanding these mappings helps in categorizing the risk accurately and prioritizing remediation efforts based on established cybersecurity best practices for handling privilege escalation flaws in operating systems and middleware components.
Mitigation strategies must focus on hardening the access control logic within the RegisteredAidCache implementation. Developers should implement strict validation checks to ensure that any request modifying AID cache entries originates from a trusted source with appropriate permissions, rather than relying solely on the context of the calling process without verifying its intent and authority. Implementing principle of least privilege at this layer is crucial; the resolveAidConflictLocked method should only allow modifications if explicitly authorized by higher-level security policies or system services that have undergone rigorous authentication. Additionally, introducing audit logging for cache modification events can aid in detecting exploitation attempts post-incident. For end-users and administrators, applying the latest available software updates provided by device manufacturers is the primary defense, as these patches typically include fixes for such logic errors. Security teams should also monitor for unusual patterns of AID registration or permission changes that do not correlate with known application behaviors, using endpoint detection and response tools to identify potential exploitation attempts in real-time.