CVE-2026-0151: Android Graphics Integer Overflow RCE Vulnerability

Technical summary

CVE-2026-0151 is an integer overflow vulnerability in the IntfGraphCreate function within intfgraph.c on Google Android. The integer overflow leads to an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787), bypassing memory protections and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability requires only login credentials (PR:L) and network access (AV:N) with no complex exploitation prerequisites (AC:L). The flaw resides in a core graphics subsystem component, making it broadly reachable within the Android ecosystem.

Business impact

A successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on Android devices of authenticated users, potentially leading to data theft, device compromise, malware installation, and loss of confidentiality and integrity. Organizations managing Android-based infrastructure or deployments should expect this to be a priority remediation target given the high severity and ease of exploitation from a network vector. Insider threats with valid credentials can weaponize this flaw immediately.

Affected systems

Google Android is listed as the affected vendor and product. The vulnerability resides in the graphics rendering subsystem (intfgraph.c), suggesting impact across Android versions and device manufacturers that bundle the affected code. Check the official Android Security & Privacy Year in Review and vendor security bulletins for precise version ranges and device coverage.

Exploitability

The vulnerability scores as exploitable with minimal friction: it requires only valid login credentials (authentication is already established), can be triggered remotely over the network, involves low attack complexity, and requires no user interaction. The absence of additional execution privileges needed (relative to the authenticated user context) lowers the barrier further. This is not a theoretical threat; the attack surface is practical and urgent.

Remediation

Patch the affected Android systems using official security updates from Google and device manufacturers. Verify patch applicability through vendor security advisories that specify affected versions and corresponding fixes. Organizations should prioritize deployment for devices handling sensitive data or exposed to untrusted networks where attackers may hold valid credentials.

Patch guidance

Monitor Google's official Android security bulletins and your device manufacturer's updates for patches addressing CVE-2026-0151. Apply patches to all affected Android versions as soon as they become available. Test patches in a controlled environment before broad deployment to confirm compatibility with critical applications. Given the high severity and unauthenticated-like exploitability (once credentials exist), treat this as a critical priority in patch cycle planning.

Detection guidance

Monitor network traffic for unusual inter-device communication initiated from graphics processing contexts. Log authentication events and subsequent anomalous process creation or memory access patterns. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools should flag unexpected code execution originating from graphics subsystem components. Network intrusion detection systems may identify attack attempts via crafted payloads targeting the IntfGraphCreate function, though signature development may require vendor guidance.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability merits immediate attention due to its HIGH CVSS score (8.8), remote exploitability without user interaction, and requirement of only basic authentication—a lower bar than zero-day context. The graphics subsystem is core infrastructure, increasing the blast radius. The absence of KEV listing does not diminish urgency; exploitation likely precedes public PoC development.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 (HIGH) reflects a network-accessible vulnerability requiring only user-level privileges, with direct impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The low attack complexity and lack of user interaction requirement elevate risk substantially. The integer overflow to out-of-bounds write chain is a well-understood exploitation pattern, supporting the practical exploitability assessment.

Frequently asked questions