CVE-2026-0021: Android Settings App Cross-User Permission Bypass Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2026-0021: In hasInteractAcrossUsersFullPermission of AppInfoBase.java, there is a possible cross-user permission bypass due to a confused deputy. Affects platform/packages/apps/Settings across 5 version ranges.
>= 14:0, < 14:2026-03-01
>= 15:0, < 15:2026-03-01
>= 16:0, < 16:2026-03-01
>= 16-qpr2:0, < 16-qpr2:2026-03-01
>= 16-qpr2-next:0, < 16-qpr2-next:2026-03-01
Fixed in 16-qpr2-next:2026-03-01. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Android Settings app is a core component of the Android operating system, providing users with the ability to configure system settings, manage applications, and control device functionalities. This app is essential for user interaction with the device, allowing for customization and management of various features. The vulnerability in question arises from a flaw in the permission handling within the app, specifically in the 'hasInteractAcrossUsersFullPermission' function, which can lead to unauthorized access across user profiles.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability is a cross-user permission bypass caused by a confused deputy issue in the 'hasInteractAcrossUsersFullPermission' function of AppInfoBase.java. This flaw allows a malicious user to escalate their privileges locally without needing additional execution permissions. The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data or functionalities across different user profiles on the device, posing a significant security risk.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
16-qpr2-next:2026-03-01
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit access to their device by creating separate user profiles and restricting permissions for applications that may exploit this vulnerability. However, this does not fully mitigate the risk and should only be considered until the patch is applied.
Conclusion
The CVE-2026-0021 vulnerability in the Android Settings app poses a significant risk due to its potential for cross-user permission bypass. Users are strongly advised to update their app to the latest patched version to mitigate this risk. Additionally, utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for platform/packages/apps/Settings →
FAQ
CVE-2026-0021 is a vulnerability in the Android Settings app that allows for cross-user permission bypass, potentially leading to unauthorized access to user data.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The risks include unauthorized access to sensitive information and functionalities across different user profiles, which can lead to privacy breaches.
You can update the app through the Google Play Store by searching for 'Android Settings' and selecting 'Update' if available.
As a temporary measure, consider creating separate user profiles and restricting permissions for applications that may exploit this vulnerability.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for platform/packages/apps/Settings.
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