CVE-2026-0056: Android ResourceTypes.cpp Out-of-Bounds Read Information Disclosure

Technical summary

The vulnerability resides in the setTo() function of ResourceTypes.cpp, part of Android's resource management framework. An insufficient bounds validation permits an out-of-bounds read operation. The attacker exploits this via CWE-120 (buffer copy without checking size of input), allowing unvalidated memory access. Given the local attack vector and low CVSS score (3.3), the issue presents information disclosure risk rather than code execution or system compromise. Exploitation requires local code execution capability but no additional privilege escalation or user action.

Business impact

Information disclosure from this vulnerability is limited to local processes already running on the device. In enterprise environments, this could allow a compromised or malicious app to extract sensitive metadata, configuration details, or identifiers from system memory. The impact is primarily confidentiality-focused; integrity and availability of the device remain unaffected. For consumer users, the practical risk depends on what apps are installed and their trustworthiness.

Affected systems

Google Android is affected. Based on source data, multiple Android versions are impacted; consult the vendor advisory and your Android device's security bulletin to identify specific affected releases and corresponding patch timelines.

Exploitability

Exploitation is straightforward from a technical standpoint: an attacker needs only local code execution—achievable by installing a malicious app or compromising an existing one. No special system privileges, exotic execution context, or user interaction is required. However, the attack is confined to the local device; remote exploitation is not possible. The low CVSS score reflects these constraints.

Remediation

Apply the security patch from Google's Android security update when available for your device and Android version. The fix corrects the bounds check in ResourceTypes.cpp's setTo() function. Verify patch availability via your device manufacturer's security bulletin or Android's official security updates page. Device-level mitigation includes restricting app installation to trusted sources and monitoring app permissions.

Patch guidance

Check your Android device for the June 2026 security patch or later that addresses CVE-2026-0056. Updates are typically delivered through over-the-air (OTA) installation or manual system updates. Navigate to Settings > System > System Update (or equivalent, depending on device maker) and install any available security patches. For enterprise deployments, coordinate patch rollout through your mobile device management (MDM) system. Verify the patch level against the vendor advisory to confirm CVE-2026-0056 is included.

Detection guidance

Detection at runtime is challenging because the vulnerability does not produce obvious crash signatures or system errors—it silently reads adjacent memory. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions on Android are limited; focus instead on preventive controls: restrict sideloading, use security updates promptly, and audit installed apps for suspicious behavior. A security update is the definitive remediation; there is no reliable behavioral mitigation.

Why prioritize this

Despite low severity, prioritize this patch in your routine security update cycle. The ease of exploitation (no privilege escalation needed) means any local app can attempt it. While the information disclosure risk is modest for most users, organizations handling sensitive data on employee devices should patch promptly. The local-only attack vector and lack of active exploitation in the wild lower urgency relative to remote code execution flaws, but this is not a candidate for deferral.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 3.3 (LOW) reflects a local attack vector (AV:L), low complexity (AC:L), low privilege requirement (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and confidentiality impact only (C:L, I:N, A:N). The low severity stems from the requirement for local code execution and the absence of integrity or availability impact. An unprivileged local process can read out-of-bounds memory, which is a legitimate concern but does not meet the threshold for higher severity ratings.

Frequently asked questions