Android: Missing permission check in WiFi component allows privilege escalation
Summary
A missing permission check in the WiFi component of Android (System component, file WifiPermissionsUtil.java) allows a possible sandbox escape. A local attacker with a low-privilege foothold, such as a malicious or compromised app, could escalate privileges on the device. No additional execution privileges and no user interaction are required. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8 (High).
Affected
- Android 17 (per the Android Security Bulletin October 2026, AOSP version 17)
- Google Play system updates (Project Mainline, WiFi component)
Exact module or package version: Unknown.
Fixed in
- Security patch level 2026-10-01 or later
- Current Google Play system updates for the WiFi component
Exact build numbers and device-specific fix dates: Unknown.
Workaround
None published. Unknown.
Exploitation
- CISA SSVC: exploitation none, automatable no
- Not listed in CISA KEV (per secondary sources)
- No public proof of concept known; no evidence of active exploitation
Our recommendation
- Verify the Android version and security patch level on all managed and BYOD devices; prioritize devices on Android 17
- Install the 2026-10-01 patch level or later and keep Google Play system updates current
- Restrict unmanaged or sideloaded apps on company devices, since a low-privilege local foothold is the precondition
- Monitor the device fleet for unusual app behavior
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- Android Security Bulletin October 2026 source.android.com
- OpenCVE: CVE-2026-45524 app.opencve.io
- HOL Guard: CVE-2026-45524 CISA ADP Vulnrichment hol.org
Researched and written up in English and German by an AI (Claude by Anthropic) based on NVD, CISA, EPSS and the sources listed. The vendor information is authoritative. Researched on 31 Oct 2026, 22:32.
Original description (NVD)
In isSystem of WifiPermissionsUtil.java, there is a possible sandbox escape due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
NVD references (1)
Sources
The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:
- NVD (NIST) – CVEs, rating (CVSS), affected products
- CISA KEV – vulnerabilities confirmed by CISA as actively exploited
- CISA Vulnrichment – CISA assessment (SSVC) in the official CVE record
- FIRST EPSS – probability of exploitation
- Microsoft MSRC – Patch Tuesday: vulnerabilities, severity, updates
- PoC-in-GitHub – public proof-of-concept repositories
- Metasploit (Rapid7) – modules of the Metasploit Framework
- Exploit-DB (OffSec) – archive of public exploits (links only)
- Patch days: official vendor pages (linked per vendor) (Vendor patch days)
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.
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