Google Android: Local privilege escalation in System packet filter
Summary
A memory safety flaw caused by improper input validation (CWE-20) exists in the function FilterCapturedPacket of snoop_logger.cc in the Android System component. A local attacker with low privileges, for example through a malicious app or a compromised user session, could escalate privileges on the device without user interaction. Google rates the issue as Critical in its bulletin, while the CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8 (High).
Affected
- Android 16
- Android 16 QPR2
- Android 17
Android 14 and 15 are not listed for this CVE.
Fixed in
Security patch level 2026-10-01 or later (Android Security Bulletin October 2026).
Build numbers: Unknown. Samsung devices should follow Samsung's own patch release.
Workaround
None published. The fix is the security patch level 2026-10-01 or later.
Exploitation
Google does not report active exploitation. CISA SSVC assessment: Exploitation none, Automatable no. No public proof of concept found.
Our recommendation
- Confirm that Android 16, 16 QPR2 or 17 devices are at patch level 2026-10-01 or later.
- Enforce the patch level via MDM and check OEM bulletins, for example from Samsung.
- Restrict the installation of apps from unknown sources.
- Prioritise devices with broad app permissions or shared use.
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- Android Security Bulletin October 2026 source.android.com
- Samsung October 2026 security patch release notes www.sammyfans.com
- CVE record CVE-2026-55269 (threatint) cve.threatint.com
- Strix CVE-2026-55269 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 FilterCapturedPacket of snoop_logger.cc, there is a possible memory safety issue due to improper input validation. 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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