# CVE-2026-0189: Google Pixel Bootloader permission bypass in ac_init_policy

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-0189-google-pixel-bootloader-permission-bypass-in-ac-init-policy  
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-2026-0189 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.4 · Published 2026-09-15

A logic error in the Bootloader's permission initialization code allows a local attacker to bypass security restrictions and escalate their privileges without needing special execution rights. This vulnerability could allow unauthorized access to sensitive device functions and system resources on affected Pixel devices.

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-2026-0189 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-0189 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-0189?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.4, 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-2026-0189?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-0189 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in device firmware.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-0189?** 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 is a privilege escalation (EoP) vulnerability in the ac_init_policy function within init.c of the Google Pixel Bootloader. The vulnerability stems from a logic error in the permission-checking code that fails to properly validate access control policies. An attacker with local access can exploit this flaw to bypass permission restrictions and gain elevated privileges. No additional execution privileges or user interaction are required for exploitation. The vulnerability affects Pixel devices, and patches are available in the 2026-09-05 security patch level.

## Affected products

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

## Timeline

- 2026-09-15: disclosed

## 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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