CVE-2026-56946: ARM SMMUv3 privilege escalation in arm-smmu-v3 DMA mapping

CVE-2026-56946 · Severity: info · Published 2026-11-10

ARM SMMUv3 is an input/output memory management unit that manages virtual-to-physical memory translations for direct memory access (DMA) operations on Android devices. A logic error in the DMA page unmapping function allows an attacker with local system access to retain references to active DMA pages, enabling privilege escalation to system level without requiring user interaction.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-56946 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-56946 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-56946?
Informational severity, published 10 November 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Android Prior to 2026-11-05 security patch level.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-56946?
Yes: fixed in Android security patch level 2026-11-05 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.
How is CVE-2026-56946 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in device firmware.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-56946?
Check whether you run Android 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 security patch level 2026-11-05 or later

Technical details

A logic error in smmu_unmap_visit_leaf of arm-smmu-v3.c allows premature release of active DMA page references during the unmapping process. This occurs in the kernel IOMMU component. The vulnerability requires local system execution privileges to exploit and enables privilege escalation to higher system levels.

Affected products

  • Android Prior to 2026-11-05 security patch level

Timeline

  • 2026-11-10: disclosed

References

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