Unauthorized App Update via Permissions Bypass in Android

Publication date: 2026-09-08

Last updated on: 2026-09-23

Assigner: Android (associated with Google Inc. or Open Handset Alliance)

Description

In maybeRemoveInvalidInstallerPackageName of InstallRepository.kt, there is a possible unauthorized app update due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-09-08

Last Modified

2026-09-23

Generated

2026-09-29

AI Q&A

2026-09-09

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-27

NVD

CVE-2026-49887

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
google	android	16.0
google	android	17.0

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-288	The product requires authentication, but the product has an alternate path or channel that does not require authentication.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability allows an app to bypass permissions and perform unauthorized updates. It exists in the InstallRepository.kt file where the function maybeRemoveInvalidInstallerPackageName fails to enforce proper checks. An attacker could exploit this to update an app without user interaction or additional privileges, leading to potential privilege escalation.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow malicious apps to update themselves without your knowledge or consent. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of harmful software, or further compromise of your device. Since no user interaction is required, the risk is higher as attacks could happen silently.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest security update from the Android vendor to patch InstallRepository.kt. Monitor official Android security bulletins for updates and disable installation from unknown sources until patched.

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