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The vulnerability resides in Android’s `DevicePolicyManagerService.java` within multiple functions that handle device policy enforcement. Due to improper input validation (CWE-20), a malicious local application can supply malformed package name arguments, causing the system to treat a critical system package as hidden. Because the service fails to sanitize or verify the provided input before passing it to internal methods, it inadvertently removes or disables essential system components responsible for device management and core operating system functionality.
Specifically, by exploiting the absence of rigorous validation, an attacker can influence the `hidePackage()` or similar routines, leading to the system’s inability to locate or execute vital processes. The flaw exists in multiple functions across the service, increasing the attack surface. Once a critical package is hidden, the Android runtime may experience cascading failures, such as crashing system services, preventing device administration actions, or causing persistent application errors. The vulnerability does not require any additional privileges beyond those of a standard installed application, and no user interaction (e.g., clicking a link or granting permissions) is needed for exploitation. The attack is entirely local to the device, meaning it does not rely on network access or remote code execution. The issue affects all Android versions that include the flawed `DevicePolicyManagerService` logic, namely Android 14, 15, 16, and 16 QPR2. Google assigned the CVE and confirmed that a local denial of service is the maximum impact. The fix involves strengthening input validation routines and implementing proper filtering of package names, ensuring that system-critical packages cannot be hidden even when malformed input is received. The Android Security Bulletin for June 2026 lists this vulnerability as “High” severity for the Framework component, while the CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H) yields a base score of 5.5 (Medium). As of the publication date, no public exploit code has been released.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: Android
Version: 14,15,16,16-qpr2
Vulnerability: Improper Input Validation
Severity: Medium (5.5 CVSS)
date: 2026-06-01
Prediction: June 2026 patch
What Undercode Say:
Analytics:
- CVSS Score : 5.5 Medium
- EPSS Score : Not yet available
- CISA KEV : Not listed
- Exploit Code : None public
Bash commands to verify patch level:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
Expected output for patched device:
2026-06-01
Check if device admin apps can hide packages (conceptual test):
adb shell dumpsys device_policy | grep -i "hidden"
Exploit:
The vulnerability is triggered by a local application calling any of the affected functions in `DevicePolicyManagerService` with a specially crafted package name that does not correspond to an actual installed package or that matches a reserved system identifier. For example, the application could invoke the `setApplicationHidden()` method with a package name like `android` or `com.android.systemui` without having the necessary permissions. Because the service does not validate the input, it proceeds to mark the package as hidden, effectively removing it from the system’s view and disrupting critical operations. No user interaction is required; the attack can be performed silently in the background.
Protection:
- Install the June 2026 Android security update (patch level 2026-06-01 or later)
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications, especially those requesting device admin privileges
- Regularly audit active device administrators via Settings > Security > Device admin apps
- Enable Google Play Protect to block potentially harmful applications
- Use a mobile endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution that monitors for unauthorized attempts to hide packages
Impact:
Successful exploitation leads to a local denial of service condition where a critical system package becomes hidden, causing the device to become unstable or unusable. Specific consequences may include:
– Inability to access settings or device administration features
– Persistent force closures of essential system services
– Potential boot loops or freezes that require a factory reset to recover
– Loss of enterprise management capabilities on managed devices
– Degraded user experience with missing core functionality
While the vulnerability does not allow privilege escalation or data theft, its impact on device availability can be severe, especially in managed environments where reliable device operation is crucial. The attack does not require root access or any special permissions, making it easily exploitable by any installed application.
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
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