CVE-2026-0096: Android Local Privilege Escalation in ForgetDeviceDialogFragment

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the getAppLabel method of ForgetDeviceDialogFragment.java within Google Android. It stems from insufficient or misleading UI feedback in the device-forget dialog, enabling a local attacker to exploit the confirmation mechanism without requiring active user participation. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) reflects that exploitation requires local access and a low-privilege account, but no UI interaction, resulting in high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact within the user's security context.

Business impact

This vulnerability poses a moderate to high risk for organizations managing Android-based mobile devices or BYOD programs. A compromised user account or malicious app with basic system permissions could escalate privileges to access sensitive user data, modify system settings, or cause denial of service. For enterprises relying on Android device management, this could undermine device trust boundaries and complicate compliance with data protection regulations.

Affected systems

Google Android is affected across multiple versions. Verify the specific Android OS versions impacted against the vendor advisory, as the data source does not specify version ranges. Organizations should audit their deployed Android devices to identify which firmware and OS versions are present in their environment.

Exploitability

The vulnerability is exploitable by a local attacker with standard user (low) privileges. The critical factor is that user interaction is not required—the attacker can programmatically invoke the device-forget flow through the vulnerable getAppLabel method, bypassing or misusing the UI confirmation mechanism. This reduces friction for exploitation compared to attacks requiring user deception or social engineering.

Remediation

Apply security updates from Google for the affected Android versions as soon as they become available. Organizations should prioritize deployment in environments with sensitive or regulated data. Pending patch availability, restrict unnecessary app installation permissions and enforce strict app vetting policies to reduce the attack surface.

Patch guidance

Monitor Google's Android security bulletin and the official Android Security & Privacy Year in Review for CVE-2026-0096 patch details, including affected OS versions and fix availability. Patches will likely be rolled out through Google Play System Updates or monthly security patches. Test patches in a controlled environment before broad deployment, and coordinate updates with device management policies to minimize operational disruption.

Detection guidance

Monitor for suspicious activity patterns such as unexpected elevation of user privileges on managed devices, unauthorized device configurations, or unusual access to sensitive data following device interactions. Review application logs for repeated or suspicious invocations of ForgetDeviceDialogFragment. Consider deploying Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) solutions capable of detecting privilege escalation attempts at runtime. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools configured for Android environments can flag anomalous process behavior associated with this attack vector.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability merits high priority due to its CVSS 7.8 score, local attack vector with no user interaction requirement, and broad availability impact. Although not yet on the KEV catalog, the ease of exploitation and potential for chained attacks justify urgent patching. Organizations with sensitive device fleets (healthcare, finance, government) should prioritize remediation.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 7.8 (HIGH) score reflects the combination of local attack surface (reduced but not eliminated for enterprise devices), low privilege requirement, absence of user interaction, and comprehensive impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The lack of network propagation limits widespread blast radius, but the attack's low friction and privilege escalation potential elevate risk within individual device security contexts.

Frequently asked questions