Google Android libufdt: Out-of-bounds write due to resource exhaustion
Summary
A flaw in the qsort routine of the libufdt library (libufdt_sysdeps_vendor.c) allows an out-of-bounds write caused by resource exhaustion. The Android Security Bulletin for October 2026 classifies the issue as a High-severity Denial-of-Service vulnerability, while the CVE description refers to local escalation of privilege. Exploitation requires local access with low privileges and no user interaction.
Affected
- Android 14, 15, 16, 16-qpr2 and 17 (per the Android Security Bulletin, reference A-509980995)
- Exact affected builds and module: Unknown.
Fixed in
- Security patch level 2026-10-01 or later.
- AOSP commit links: see the bulletin (updated October 8, 2026).
Workaround
Unknown. No workaround was found in the sources.
Exploitation
- Not known to be exploited.
- Not listed in CISA KEV in the sources reviewed.
- No public proof of concept found.
- CISA SSVC: Exploitation none, Automatable no, Technical Impact total.
Our recommendation
- Confirm that all Android devices have security patch level 2026-10-01 or later and install the October update.
- Apply the device vendor's build (e.g. Samsung) where applicable and check the vendor's own bulletin.
- Restrict local access to shared or unmanaged devices and enforce mobile device management.
- Verify the CVSS score and classification at NVD, as the sources differ.
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- Android Security Bulletin—October 2026 source.android.com
- Anbox Cloud 1.30.3 release notes canonical.com
- Appaloosa Scout Android 2026-10-01 scout.appaloosa.io
- HOL Guard CVE-2026-55266 (CISA ADP Vulnrichment) hol.org
- Strix CVE-2026-55266 www.strix.ai
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 2 Nov 2026, 06:28.
Original description (NVD)
In qsort of libufdt_sysdeps_vendor.c, there is a possible out-of-bounds write due to resource exhaustion. 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.
Affected? We can help.
We check whether your systems are affected, install updates and close the gap – continuously with the System Health Checker if you wish.