CVE-2026-49878: 
Linux Ubuntu vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2026-49878 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the wpas_handle_robust_av_scs_recv_action function of robust_av.c in Android's Wi-Fi subsystem (wpa_supplicant), which could lead to remote code execution. It affects Android versions 14, 15, 16, 16-qpr2, and 17. The vulnerability was published on October 5, 2026, and addressed in the Android Security Bulletin 2026-10-01. It carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.2 (High) (Android Security Bulletin, GitHub Advisory).

The root cause is a logic error (CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write) in the wpas_handle_robust_av_scs_recv_action function within robust_av.c, which handles Robust Audio Video Streaming (Robust AV) SCS (Stream Classification Service) action frames in the Wi-Fi stack. A logic flaw allows an attacker to trigger a write operation beyond the bounds of an intended buffer when processing specially crafted SCS action frames. Exploitation requires the attacker to have System-level execution privileges and network access, but no user interaction is necessary. No public proof-of-concept code has been identified (Android Security Bulletin, GitHub Advisory).

Successful exploitation could allow a remote attacker with System execution privileges to execute arbitrary code at the system level on affected Android devices, resulting in high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. This could enable full device compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, persistent backdoor installation, or denial of service. The network-based attack vector means exploitation does not require physical proximity to the target device (Android Security Bulletin, GitHub Advisory).

There is no evidence of active in-the-wild exploitation or publicly available proof-of-concept code as of the time of publication (Feedly). The EPSS score is 0.0, reflecting a currently low probability of exploitation in the near term. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Exploitation is constrained by the requirement for System-level privileges, which limits the attacker pool, though the network attack vector and lack of required user interaction remain notable risk factors (GitHub Advisory).

Google has released patches addressing this vulnerability as part of the Android Security Bulletin dated 2026-10-01, covering security patch levels 2026-10-01 and 2026-10-05. Users and administrators should apply the October 2026 Android security update to all affected devices running Android 14, 15, 16, 16-qpr2, or 17. OEM-specific patches (e.g., Samsung's October 2026 security patch) should also be applied as they become available. No configuration-based workarounds have been publicly documented (Android Security Bulletin, GitHub Advisory).