# CVE-2026-28641: Android Automotive OS System permission bypass in ApplicationActionButtonsPreferenceController

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-28641-in-shoulddisableuninstallbutton-of  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-05. Updated: 2026-10-05  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-28641 · Severity: info · Published 2026-10-05

A logic error in Android Automotive OS's system settings code allows an unprivileged local attacker to bypass permission checks and gain elevated privileges on the device without user interaction. This could allow an attacker with only basic device access to take full control of system functions normally reserved for administrator accounts.

Technologies: [Google Android Automotive OS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/android-automotive-os). Vendors: [Google](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/google).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-28641 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-28641 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-28641?** Informational severity, published 5 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Google Android Automotive OS 14, 15, 16-qpr2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-28641?** Yes: fixed in Android Automotive OS 2026-10-01 security patch level or later for affected versions. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-28641 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-28641?** Check whether you run Google Android Automotive OS 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.

## How to fix

- Fixed in Android Automotive OS 2026-10-01 security patch level or later for affected versions

## Technical details

A permission bypass vulnerability exists in ApplicationActionButtonsPreferenceController.java's shouldDisableUninstallButton method due to a logic error in the code. The vulnerability allows local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed, and user interaction is not required for exploitation. The vulnerability affects Android Automotive OS versions 14, 15, and 16-qpr2.

## Affected products

- Google Android Automotive OS 14, 15, 16-qpr2

## Timeline

- 2026-10-05: disclosed

## References

- [https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/aaos/2026/2026-10-01](https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/aaos/2026/2026-10-01)

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