CVE-2026-0152: Android Local Privilege Escalation via VMA Out-of-Bounds Logic Error

Technical summary

CVE-2026-0152 is a buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-119) in pmr_os.c's OSMMapPMRGeneric function within Android. The vulnerability stems from inadequate boundary validation when expanding Virtual Memory Areas (VMAs). An unprivileged local process can chain system calls to trigger out-of-bounds memory expansion, crossing privilege boundaries without additional execution capabilities. The attack surface is low-friction: no special privileges, no user interaction, and no additional exploitation primitives are required. The flaw allows direct escalation from a standard application context to elevated system privileges.

Business impact

For enterprises deploying Android devices—whether as corporate endpoints, IoT infrastructure, or embedded systems—this vulnerability poses significant risk. Compromised devices can be silently escalated to execute arbitrary system commands, potentially exfiltrating corporate data, installing persistent backdoors, or pivoting into internal networks. The lack of user interaction requirement means exploitation can occur silently during normal device use. Organizations relying on Android security for BYOD, enterprise mobility management, or critical infrastructure should prioritize patching to prevent lateral movement and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Affected systems

Google Android is the affected platform. The vulnerability resides in core kernel memory management code (pmr_os.c), meaning all Android versions using the affected code path are potentially vulnerable. This includes both consumer devices and enterprise deployments. The exact scope of affected Android versions and device models should be verified against Google's official security advisory and patch timeline, as different devices receive updates at different cadences.

Exploitability

This vulnerability is readily exploitable by any local user on an affected Android device. The requirements are minimal: an attacker needs only a local account or the ability to execute code in an unprivileged process context—no special permissions, no kernel access, no user interaction needed. The attack relies on a logic error in kernel memory handling, which makes it deterministic and reliable. However, exploitation does require local code execution capability; remote exploitation is not possible through this vector alone. The straightforward attack path and low barrier to entry make this a high-priority patching target.

Remediation

Apply security patches from Google as soon as they are released and verified. For end users and IT administrators, update Android devices through the official system update mechanism. Enterprise users should coordinate with their device management platform (MDM/EMM solutions) to ensure patches are deployed fleet-wide. Verify patch application by checking the Android Security & Privacy Year in Progress bulletin and device-specific security patch level. Until patches are available, mitigate by restricting physical and network access to affected devices and disabling installation of untrusted applications.

Patch guidance

Monitor Google's official Android Security & Privacy announcements for patch release dates and version numbers. Patches will typically be bundled into monthly security updates. After applying patches, verify successful installation by navigating to device settings and confirming the security patch level has advanced. Organizations should test patches on a small subset of devices before full fleet deployment to ensure compatibility with enterprise applications. Enterprise users should leverage MDM/EMM platforms to enforce mandatory patching timelines across their device fleet.

Detection guidance

Detection of active exploitation is challenging without kernel-level monitoring. Organizations can detect suspicious privilege escalation patterns by monitoring system logs for unexpected privilege transitions in unprivileged processes. Behavioral detection via Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) solutions can identify post-exploitation anomalies such as unusual system call sequences or attempts to access restricted memory regions. Consider enabling enhanced logging on test devices to understand attack signatures. Network-level detection is ineffective since the attack is local; focus on endpoint-level telemetry and device health reporting from MDM solutions.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability merits immediate attention because it enables silent, local privilege escalation with minimal exploitation complexity. The CVSS 7.8 HIGH severity rating reflects the confluence of high impact (complete confidentiality, integrity, and availability compromise) and low attack complexity. The absence of user interaction and the local-only attack vector, combined with the fundamental nature of the flaw in memory management, makes this a foundational risk that underpins device security. Organizations should treat this as a critical update candidate, especially for devices holding sensitive corporate data or controlling critical systems.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8 (HIGH) reflects: Attack Vector Local (AV:L) — requires local code execution; Attack Complexity Low (AC:L) — the logic error is straightforward to trigger; Privileges Required Low (PR:L) — any local user can exploit; User Interaction None (UI:N) — no social engineering or user action needed; Scope Unchanged (S:U) — impact is limited to the affected system. The impact metrics are maximal: Confidentiality High (C:H), Integrity High (I:H), Availability High (A:H) — successful exploitation grants full control over the device. The score appropriately penalizes the local-only attack surface while reflecting the severe consequences of privilege escalation on a mobile platform.

Frequently asked questions