CVE-2026-65802 in Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2026
External control of file name or path in Microsoft Edge for Android allows an unauthorized attacker to disclose information over a network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Edge for Android that stems from insufficient validation of file paths and names in external contexts. The issue manifests when the browser application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input that influences file system operations or network communication pathways, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate file name or path parameters through external controls. Such weaknesses typically originate from improper input validation mechanisms that allow untrusted data to flow directly into sensitive system functions without adequate sanitization or authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security patterns found in CWE-73, which describes the condition where a program uses external input to construct file paths without proper validation. In Microsoft Edge for Android specifically, this flaw likely occurs within the browser's handling of web resources, download operations, or file system interactions where external control over path construction enables attackers to traverse directories or access unintended files. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, compromised web content, or social engineering campaigns that trick users into interacting with crafted URLs or file references.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for user privacy and data confidentiality. Attackers can potentially access sensitive local files, system information, or other unauthorized resources on the device through network-based attacks. The exposure of information over a network means that even remote attackers who cannot directly access the device can still exploit this weakness to gather intelligence about the target system or extract valuable data from the affected Android device running Microsoft Edge. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can lead to information disclosure that violates user privacy expectations and potentially exposes business-critical data.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access to include potential escalation paths that could lead to more severe consequences. According to ATT&CK framework category T1074, adversaries may use such information disclosure capabilities to gather system information or credentials stored in files accessible through manipulated file paths. Security professionals should note that this weakness often appears in mobile browser implementations where the complexity of sandboxing and cross-platform compatibility creates additional attack vectors. The Android environment adds particular complexity since mobile applications must navigate between different permission models, storage contexts, and security boundaries that can be exploited when proper input validation is absent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation controls at multiple layers of the application architecture. Organizations should ensure that all external inputs influencing file operations undergo strict sanitization and validation before being processed by the browser engine. This includes implementing proper path normalization, validating file name components against allowed character sets, and enforcing access controls that prevent unauthorized traversal of directory structures. Security patches for Microsoft Edge for Android should address the root cause by strengthening the input handling mechanisms and ensuring that all external controls over file operations are properly validated and restricted according to security best practices. Additionally, mobile device management policies should include monitoring for suspicious network activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts targeting this type of vulnerability.
The broader implications of such vulnerabilities highlight the importance of secure coding practices in mobile browser development environments where the attack surface is particularly expansive due to the integration of web technologies with native system capabilities. This weakness demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive security testing including threat modeling exercises and static analysis tools that can identify improper file path handling patterns. Industry standards like OWASP Mobile Top 10 and NIST Mobile Security Guidelines emphasize the importance of proper input validation and secure file handling as fundamental requirements for mobile application security, making this vulnerability a prime example of why continuous security assessment and remediation processes are essential in modern mobile browser implementations.