# CVE-2026-0186: Google Pixel Bootloader privilege escalation via logic error in ac_init_one_sswrp

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-0186-google-pixel-bootloader-privilege-escalation-via-logic-error-in-ac  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-15. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-0186 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.7 · Published 2026-09-15

A logic error in the Pixel device bootloader's ac_init_one_sswrp function allows a local attacker with system-level access to escalate privileges. An attacker with existing system execution privileges can exploit this vulnerability to gain further elevated access, potentially compromising device security and enabling unauthorized actions.

Technologies: [Google Android](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/android), [Google Pixel Bootloader](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/pixel-bootloader). Vendors: [Google](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/google).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-0186 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-0186 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-0186?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.7, published 15 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Google Pixel Bootloader Prior to 2026-09-05 patch level.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-0186?** A patch was published on 2026-09-05: Security patch available at patch level 2026-09-05 or later Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-0186 attacked?** It is attacked with local access.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-0186?** Check whether you run Google Android or Google Pixel Bootloader at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

This vulnerability exists in the ac_init_one_sswrp function within init.c of the Google Pixel Bootloader component. The flaw stems from a logic error in the code that fails to properly validate or enforce access controls. The attack vector is local and requires the attacker to already possess System execution privileges; no user interaction is needed for successful exploitation. An attacker can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges beyond their current level. A patch is available via the September 2026 Pixel security update (patch level 2026-09-05 or later).

## Affected products

- Google Pixel Bootloader Prior to 2026-09-05 patch level

## Timeline

- 2026-09-15: disclosed: Disclosed in Pixel Update Bulletin September 2026
- 2026-09-05: patched: Security patch available at patch level 2026-09-05 or later

## References

- [https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/pixel/2026/2026-09-01](https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/pixel/2026/2026-09-01)

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