CVE-2026-0052: Android Integer Overflow Remote Denial of Service Vulnerability

Technical summary

The vulnerability is a classic integer overflow condition (CWE-190) residing in ubsan_throwing_runtime.cpp, part of Google's Undefined Behavior Sanitizer runtime component. An attacker with local or network authentication can send crafted input that overflows an integer variable during processing, triggering an unhandled exception that crashes the affected process or potentially the entire runtime. The lack of bounds checking or safe arithmetic operations in the affected code paths enables this condition. Since UBSan is a low-level sanitizer component used across Android, the exposure is broad within susceptible Android versions.

Business impact

This denial-of-service vulnerability can disrupt business operations that depend on Android devices or services. While it does not permit data theft or system compromise, repeated exploitation could render devices unusable, affecting productivity for enterprise deployments, cloud-based Android services, or consumer-facing Android applications. The CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM severity reflects high availability impact but no confidentiality or integrity loss. Organizations running Android-dependent workflows should treat this as a moderate operational risk.

Affected systems

The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Google Android. The exact affected versions and patch status are determined by Google's advisory; verify the complete list of impacted Android releases and security patch levels against the official Google Android Security & Privacy Year in Review or the Android Security Bulletin. Organizations should cross-reference their deployed Android versions against Google's published vulnerability matrix.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires valid authentication credentials (PR:L in the CVSS vector) and network accessibility (AV:N), meaning an attacker must have a user account or similar access to trigger the flaw. The attack vector is straightforward—sending specially crafted input over the network—with no complex manipulation required. User interaction is not necessary. The low complexity (AC:L) means the attack is easily reproducible once an authenticated channel exists, making it moderately exploitable for adversaries with legitimate access or those who have compromised valid credentials.

Remediation

Apply the security patch released by Google for your Android version. Google typically addresses integer overflow vulnerabilities like this in monthly security bulletins. Verify the exact patch version for your device by checking the Android Security & Privacy Bulletin corresponding to the publication date. Ensure devices are configured to receive automatic updates from Google or your device manufacturer. For enterprise deployments, validate patch availability and compatibility in your change management process before broad rollout.

Patch guidance

Consult the official Google Android Security Bulletin issued on or after June 2026 for the specific patched Android version or security patch level that remediates CVE-2026-0052. Apply patches according to your organization's update policy, prioritizing systems exposed to untrusted networks or handling sensitive workflows. Test patches in a staging environment first to confirm compatibility with dependent applications. Enable automatic security updates where operationally feasible to reduce the window of vulnerability.

Detection guidance

Monitor for runtime crashes or abrupt process terminations in UBSan-instrumented components, which may indicate exploitation attempts. Log authentication events preceding any crashes to identify suspicious patterns. On Android devices, observe system logs for exceptions emanating from ubsan_throwing_runtime or related sanitizer modules. Intrusion detection systems should flag unusual integer arithmetic patterns if behavioral telemetry is available. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can flag repetitive crash cycles from a single source as a potential DoS attempt. Verify patch levels on all Android devices to ensure unpatched systems are identified for remediation priority.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability warrants medium priority for most organizations. Although it requires authentication, the remote exploitability combined with no user interaction requirement and straightforward attack vector mean it poses a real operational risk. Organizations managing large Android deployments, providing Android-based cloud services, or running critical applications on Android should prioritize patching. For consumer or lightly authenticated services, risk is lower; however, the availability impact and ease of exploitation justify inclusion in the current patch cycle rather than deferral.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM score reflects the balance of factors: remote network accessibility (high exposure potential) and simple attack complexity (low barrier to execution) are offset by the authentication requirement, which restricts the attacker pool. The high availability impact (A:H) is the primary concern, while the lack of confidentiality or integrity impact (C:N/I:N) prevents a higher rating. For organizations with tight access controls, the practical risk is lower; for those with porous authentication, it approaches the CVSS baseline more closely.

Frequently asked questions