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Intro
CVE-2026-28578 is a vulnerability in the Android framework, specifically within the `DevicePolicyManagerService.java` file. The core issue is an improper input validation in several functions of this service, which leads to a desynchronization (desync) between the persistent storage and the in-memory state of device policy data.
The `DevicePolicyManagerService` is a critical system component that manages device policies, such as password requirements, encryption settings, and other enterprise controls. When input data is not properly validated, the service may write inconsistent data to storage. During subsequent read or restart operations, this inconsistency can cause the system to enter an unrecoverable state, as the persistence layer and the active policy configuration no longer match.
This desync can manifest as a ClassCastException, NullPointerException, or other runtime errors, ultimately leading to a denial of service. Because the service is part of the system, the entire device may become unresponsive or require a factory reset to recover.
The vulnerability requires only local access and low privileges. No user interaction is needed for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous for devices already compromised by malware or for applications that have managed to bypass some sandbox restrictions.
The affected versions include Android 14, 15, 16, and 16-QPR2. Google released a fix as part of the June 2026 security patch, which introduces stricter input validation logic to ensure consistency during persistence operations.
The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (Medium) , with the vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H.
DailyCVE Form
Platform: Google Android
Version: 14,15,16,16QPR2
Vulnerability : Persistence Desync
Severity: Medium (5.5)
date: 2026-06-01
Prediction: 2026-06-01 (already patched)
What Undercode Say
View current Android security patch level adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch Check if DevicePolicyManager is vulnerable adb shell dumpsys device_policy | grep -i "desync" Attempt to trigger the vulnerability (conceptual) adb shell am broadcast -a android.app.action.DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER_STATE_CHANGED
How Exploit
To exploit CVE-2026-28578, an attacker must have local access and the ability to execute code with low privileges. The attack involves crafting malformed or unexpected input data and sending it to one of the vulnerable functions in DevicePolicyManagerService.
For example, an attacker could use the `setGlobalProxy` or `saveGlobalProxyLocked` methods, supplying an invalid proxy configuration. The service writes this data to persistent storage without proper validation. When the system attempts to reload the policy configuration (e.g., after a reboot), the invalid data causes a desync, leading to a crash or a non-responsive device.
Because the service runs with system-level privileges, the entire device may become unusable. A factory reset is often the only recovery method, resulting in data loss.
Conceptual exploitation command (requires rooted device) adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name: s:device_policy --bind value: s:INVALID
Protection
- Apply Security Updates: Install the June 2026 Android security patch available from Google or your device manufacturer.
- Disable Unnecessary Device Admin Apps: Remove any apps with device administrator permissions that are not trusted.
- Use Malware Protection: Deploy mobile threat defense (MTD) solutions that can detect and block local exploitation attempts.
- Monitor Logs: Look for exceptions like `ClassCastException` or `NullPointerException` originating from
DevicePolicyManagerService.Monitor system logs for crash indicators adb logcat | grep -i "DevicePolicyManagerService"
Impact
Successful exploitation leads to a local denial of service, causing the device to become unresponsive or requiring a factory reset. The vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, but the resulting service disruption can lead to data loss and significant user inconvenience.
In enterprise environments, a single exploited device could cause operational downtime, especially if the device contains critical work-related data or is used for two-factor authentication.
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
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