CVE-2026-0082: Android NFC Dispatcher Privilege Escalation – CVSS 7.8 HIGH

Technical summary

CVE-2026-0082 stems from insecure default handling in the tryStartActivity method of NfcDispatcher.java (Google Android). The vulnerability permits automatic assignment of special app access permissions due to an improperly configured default value, enabling privilege escalation for a local, already-installed attacker application. The flaw requires local presence (AV:L), no complex conditions (AC:L), and only standard app-level permissions to trigger (PR:L). No user awareness or interaction is required. The CVSS 3.1 vector reflects high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H), with scope unchanged (S:U).

Business impact

This vulnerability enables a malicious or compromised app to silently escalate beyond its declared permission model and access sensitive device features or data reserved for privileged applications. In enterprise deployments, this could facilitate lateral movement, data exfiltration, or system-level tampering without user consent. The lack of user interaction requirement makes it particularly dangerous in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and third-party app ecosystems where attack surface is high.

Affected systems

Google Android devices are affected. The scope appears to span multiple Android versions; consult Google's official security bulletin and patch availability matrix to determine exact version ranges. Both mainstream releases and extended support branches may require updates depending on device manufacturer and OEM patch cadence.

Exploitability

Exploitability is straightforward for an attacker with code execution at the app level. No special execution privileges, elevated device state, or user action is required—once a malicious app is installed and granted standard permissions, it can trigger the flaw automatically. This makes it suitable for in-the-wild exploitation via trojanized apps, supply-chain compromises, or bundled spyware. The vulnerability is not currently listed on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, but the low friction for local exploitation warrants rapid patch deployment.

Remediation

Apply the security patch provided by Google in the Android monthly security bulletin dated June 2026 or later. Verify patch availability for your specific device model and Android version through the device manufacturer's update system. Google Pixel devices and those on the latest release cycle should receive updates first; users on older versions or from manufacturers with slower patch cycles may experience delays.

Patch guidance

1. Check Settings > About Phone > Android Version to confirm your current version. 2. Navigate to Settings > System > System Update (or equivalent on your OEM's build) and check for available patches. 3. Install any June 2026 or later Android Security & Maintenance Release. 4. Verify successful patching by checking the Security Patch Level in About Phone, which should reflect June 2026 or later. 5. For enterprise deployments, coordinate with your mobile device management (MDM) solution to push updates across managed devices.

Detection guidance

Monitor for installation of apps requesting NFC-related permissions combined with broad system or privileged access permissions—a suspicious permission combination warrants review. On forensically prepared devices, examine the NfcDispatcher.java code path for evidence of unintended special permission assignment. Look for audit logs or security events indicating unexpected permission escalation tied to NFC dispatcher activities. Enterprise detection should focus on apps attempting to leverage NFC to gain unauthorized access to protected resources or system features.

Why prioritize this

A CVSS 7.8 HIGH score with complete impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no user interaction requirement, makes this a critical patch priority. Although not yet on CISA's KEV list, the straightforward local exploitation path and presence in a core Android system component (NFC dispatcher) create substantial risk. Organizations should treat this as urgent, especially those operating BYOD programs or deploying custom enterprise apps on Android.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8 reflects: local attack vector (AV:L) with no need for complex setup (AC:L) or elevated privilege (PR:L), combined with no user interaction (UI:N) and unchanged scope (S:U). The high impact ratings (C:H/I:H/A:H) stem from the vulnerability's ability to grant unauthorized access to sensitive permissions and system capabilities, enabling a compromised app to read, modify, or disable critical functions. While not CVSS 9.0+, the practical ease of exploitation in real-world Android ecosystems and the sensitivity of NFC/permission handling justify aggressive patching.

Frequently asked questions