CVE-2026-49884 Google CVE debrief

Who should care

Android system administrators, security teams, and users of affected Android versions should assess exposure and apply patches. Security teams should review vendor advisories and apply patches for affected versions. Affected Android users should verify system configurations and apply patches. IT teams should prioritize patching and verification of Android systems and devices.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-49884 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android that allows local escalation of privilege. Android system administrators, security teams, and users of affected versions must apply patches and verify systems to prevent potential unauthorized access and data breaches.

• Local escalation of privilege without additional execution privileges
• Potential for unauthorized access and data breaches
• Need for immediate patching and verification of Android systems and devices

Technical summary

The rw_mfc_handle_read_op function in rw_mfc.cc contains an incorrect bounds check, leading to a possible out-of-bounds write. This vulnerability affects multiple Android versions, including 14.0, 15.0, 16.0, 16.0 qpr2, and 17.0. The vulnerability allows for local escalation of privilege without additional execution privileges. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Android system administrators, security teams should review vendor advisories and apply patches for affected versions. The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, including its high CVSS score of 7.8.

Defensive priority

Android systems and devices using affected versions require immediate patching and verification.

Recommended defensive actions

• Apply patches for affected Android versions
• Verify and update Android systems and devices
• Monitor for potential local privilege escalation attempts
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, including its high CVSS score of 7.8 and affected Android versions. Evidence is limited to publicly available information from CVE Program and NVD. Defenders should verify system configurations, review vendor advisories, and apply patches for affected Android versions. The rw_mfc_handle_read_op function in rw_mfc.cc contains an incorrect bounds check, leading to a possible out-of-bounds write.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.