CVE-2026-0164: Android Modem Out-of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution

Technical summary

CVE-2026-0164 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787, CWE-120) in the Android Modem subsystem caused by insufficient bounds checking. The missing validation allows an authenticated attacker to write arbitrary data outside intended buffer limits, corrupting memory and achieving code execution in the modem's context. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 (HIGH) reflects the network attack vector, low complexity, requirement for valid login credentials, and severe impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Business impact

Compromised modems can intercept, modify, or redirect device communications, undermining the security assumptions of applications and services running on affected Android devices. For enterprises deploying Android in sensitive environments—telecom infrastructure, financial services, healthcare—this creates a pathway to device takeover and lateral network movement. The need for valid credentials reduces immediate blast radius, but internal threat vectors and compromised service accounts pose genuine risk.

Affected systems

Google Android devices are affected. The specific Android versions and device models impacted are not detailed in the published advisories; verify against Google's official security bulletin for device eligibility, patch availability, and rollout timelines. Users should check their device manufacturer's security update status, as patches are often distributed through OEM channels with varying timelines.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires network access and valid system-level credentials (PR:L in CVSS terms), but once those conditions are met, the attack is straightforward and requires no user interaction. The low complexity (AC:L) indicates no race conditions, special configurations, or timing dependencies complicate the exploit. The vulnerability is not yet listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, but the absence of public weaponization does not imply safety—modem vulnerabilities are commonly researched in closed environments before disclosure.

Remediation

Apply security patches released by Google and distributed through your device manufacturer or carrier. Because modem firmware updates often require device-specific handling, do not attempt manual patching. Check for Over-The-Air (OTA) updates via device settings, contact your service provider if updates are delayed, and consider temporarily restricting network exposure of modem-adjacent services if patches are unavailable for critical systems.

Patch guidance

Monitor Google's Android Security & Privacy Year in Review and Monthly Security Bulletins for patch details, version numbers, and affected device lists. Patches typically address both kernel and firmware components; verify that your device receives updates for both. If your organization manages Android Enterprise deployments, use Google Play Services and the Security & Privacy Hub to validate patch status across enrolled devices. Vendors may release patches through different channels (Google Play, carrier OTA, device manufacturer releases)—confirm compatibility with your deployment model before broad rollout.

Detection guidance

Monitor for unexpected modem process crashes, restarts, or memory errors in device logs. Intrusion detection systems should flag unusual network traffic patterns from modem interfaces or privileged access attempts to modem management APIs. For enterprise environments, log authentication attempts against modem-accessible services and correlate with CWE-787 indicators (buffer overflow patterns, abnormal memory writes). Firmware integrity checks and secure boot validation can help detect post-exploitation tampering.

Why prioritize this

This is a HIGH-severity vulnerability affecting a critical system component (modem) with a severe CVSS score (8.8) and a credible attack path (network + valid credentials). Although not yet in the KEV catalog, the modem's role in baseband communications and its low visibility to standard operating system monitoring make it an attractive target. Prioritize patching for devices with direct network exposure, internal access from potentially compromised user sessions, and high-value assets in telecom or infrastructure roles.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 reflects: (1) Network attack vector—reachable without physical access; (2) Low complexity—no special conditions required; (3) Low privilege requirement—only valid user credentials needed, not system admin; (4) No user interaction—fully automated; (5) High impact on all three security dimensions (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability). This score appropriately captures the severity of memory corruption in a privileged subsystem, though the credential requirement prevents a higher CRITICAL rating.

Frequently asked questions