CVE-2026-59031 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2026
In InputDispatcher::flushSensor of InputDispatcher.cpp, there is a possible denial of service due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local denial of service 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 within the Android framework's InputDispatcher component specifically targets the flushSensor function located in InputDispatcher.cpp. As a critical subsystem responsible for routing input events from hardware sensors and user interfaces to applications, the InputDispatcher operates with high privileges and handles sensitive system resources. The flaw arises from a logic error during the processing of sensor data streams, which can be triggered without requiring any specific application context or elevated permissions. This architectural position allows the vulnerability to impact core operating system stability directly, bypassing typical sandbox restrictions that might otherwise contain such issues within individual applications.
The technical nature of this defect is classified as a denial of service condition resulting from improper handling of input event queues. When the flushSensor routine encounters specific malformed or rapidly generated sensor events, the logic error causes the process to enter an unrecoverable state rather than gracefully discarding invalid data. This typically manifests as infinite loops, memory corruption leading to crashes, or resource exhaustion where system threads become blocked waiting for non-existent completions. Because the InputDispatcher runs in a privileged native service context, these failures do not merely affect a single app but can cause the entire input subsystem to hang or restart, effectively freezing device interaction capabilities including touchscreens and physical buttons.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local denial of service attacks that require no user interaction for exploitation. An attacker with access to the Android sandbox, such as through a malicious application installed on the device, can trigger this condition by generating specific sequences of sensor events or manipulating input streams in ways that exploit the flawed logic. Since execution privileges are not required beyond standard app permissions, the barrier to entry is low. The impact includes significant disruption to user experience and system reliability, potentially forcing users to reboot their devices repeatedly if the service fails to recover automatically. In critical scenarios involving automotive infotainment or industrial control interfaces running on Android, such instability could lead to safety-critical failures where input responsiveness is mandatory for safe operation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which describes loops that never terminate due to logic errors causing resource exhaustion and denial of service conditions. It also maps closely to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1499.002, categorized under Endpoint Denial of Service via application or system resource consumption. The lack of user interaction requirement places it in the category of passive exploitation vectors where background processes can autonomously trigger the flaw without social engineering or explicit user clicks.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate patching and long-term architectural improvements. Developers should implement rigorous input validation within the flushSensor function to ensure that all sensor data streams are checked for consistency, length, and logical validity before processing. Adding timeout mechanisms and circuit breakers can prevent infinite loops by forcing a reset if processing takes longer than expected. Furthermore, implementing robust error handling that gracefully degrades functionality rather than crashing the entire service is essential. Security teams should prioritize applying vendor-provided patches as soon as they are available, as these vulnerabilities in core framework components often indicate deeper issues in code review processes for critical infrastructure modules. Regular fuzzing of input dispatchers and sensor interfaces can help identify similar logic errors before they reach production environments.