CVE-2026-0076: Android ResourceTypes.cpp Out-of-Bounds Read Privilege Escalation

Technical summary

The vulnerability stems from an insufficient bounds check in the validateNode function within ResourceTypes.cpp. When processing resource node data, the code fails to properly validate array or buffer boundaries before performing a read operation, resulting in an out-of-bounds read condition. This memory safety issue falls under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) and can be leveraged by a local process to escape its privilege context. The flaw does not require user interaction and only demands that the attacker already possess local execution capability—a lower bar than many privilege escalation vectors.

Business impact

For enterprises deploying Android devices in corporate environments, this vulnerability poses a meaningful insider threat risk. A compromised or malicious application, or an attacker with physical or remote shell access to a device, can silently escalate privileges to access sensitive data, intercept communications, or modify system behavior. Organizations relying on Android devices for sensitive operations, regulatory compliance, or data protection should prioritize remediation to prevent unauthorized data exfiltration or system compromise. Device fleet security posture depends on timely patching.

Affected systems

This vulnerability affects Google Android. Six Android versions or releases are listed as affected in the vulnerability database. Organizations should identify which Android versions are deployed across their fleet and cross-reference against Google's official security advisory to determine precise affected versions and patch availability.

Exploitability

Exploitability is moderately high. The attack requires local code execution (the attacker must already be running code on the device), but the bounds check flaw is relatively straightforward to trigger—no advanced exploitation technique is typically required once local execution is achieved. The absence of privilege checks or user interaction requirements makes this attractive to threat actors who have achieved initial compromise. However, the prerequisite for local access (rather than remote network access) limits the immediate attack surface in well-segmented networks.

Remediation

Patch all affected Android versions to the latest security update that addresses this bounds check issue. Google has released security patches for the affected versions; the specific patch versions and timeline should be verified in Google's official Android Security & Privacy Year in Review bulletin or vendor advisories. Device-level mitigations include ensuring devices are enrolled in Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions that enforce timely patching, restricting application installation to trusted sources, and monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation events in system logs.

Patch guidance

Contact Google or your Android device manufacturer for the specific patched version number. Once identified, deploy patches immediately to all affected Android devices. For enterprise fleets, use MDM tools to enforce patch deployment and verify compliance. Prioritize devices with high-sensitivity roles or access to sensitive data. Test patches in a controlled environment before widespread rollout to ensure compatibility with business-critical applications.

Detection guidance

Monitor system logs for unexpected privilege escalation events, particularly those originating from low-privilege application processes. On Android devices with logging enabled, look for failed or unusual memory access patterns, crashes in ResourceTypes.cpp or related resource parsing libraries, and privilege transitions that lack corresponding user authorization prompts. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools configured for Android can flag suspicious process behavior correlated with CVE-2026-0076 exploitation patterns. Behavioral indicators include processes attempting to read protected system files or memory regions after triggering the validateNode code path.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability merits HIGH priority due to its CVSS score of 7.8 and the combination of high-impact outcomes (confidentiality, integrity, and availability all affected) with relatively low barriers to exploitation. The local attack vector and absence of user interaction mean a compromised or malicious app can silently escalate privileges. For any organization with Android devices handling sensitive data, insider threat models, or regulatory obligations, timely patching directly reduces breach risk.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8 (HIGH) reflects a local attack vector requiring prior compromise (AV:L, AC:L), low privilege (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and complete impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H, I:H, A:H). The score appropriately captures the severity: while not a wormable network vulnerability, it enables privilege escalation with full system compromise potential once an attacker gains a foothold.

Frequently asked questions