The vulnerability CVE-2026-26959 affects Alex4SSB's ADB-Explorer, a Windows-based fluent UI for Android Debug Bridge (ADB). Versions 0.9.26020 and earlier fail to validate the ManualAdbPath setting, which specifies the path to the ADB binary. This lack of validation allows an attacker to supply a malicious App.txt configuration file that sets ManualAdbPath to an arbitrary executable. When the application is launched with a command-line argument pointing to the directory containing this malicious configuration, it executes the arbitrary executable with the current user's privileges. The attack vector relies on social engineering to convince the user to run the application with the crafted argument, often by distributing a shortcut or archive containing the malicious settings. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-829, indicating inclusion of functionality from an untrusted control sphere. The impact includes full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system under the user's context. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H), reflecting local attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction needed. The vendor fixed the issue in version 0.9.26021, which properly validates the ADB binary path before execution.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to full system compromise within that user context. This includes unauthorized access to sensitive data (confidentiality), modification or destruction of data (integrity), and disruption of system operations (availability). Since ADB-Explorer is a tool used by developers and IT professionals working with Android devices on Windows, compromised systems could be leveraged to pivot into broader networks or exfiltrate intellectual property. The attack requires user interaction but no prior authentication, making social engineering a critical risk factor. Organizations relying on ADB-Explorer for device management or development are at risk of targeted attacks, especially if users are tricked into launching the application with malicious configuration files. The vulnerability could also be used to deploy malware or ransomware, increasing operational and reputational damage.

Organizations and users should immediately upgrade ADB-Explorer to version 0.9.26021 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Until upgrade, users should avoid launching the application with untrusted command-line arguments or configuration directories. Implement strict controls on the distribution and execution of configuration files, ensuring they come from trusted sources only. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting and blocking execution of unauthorized binaries. Educate users about the risks of opening shortcuts or archives from untrusted sources and the dangers of social engineering tactics. Consider application whitelisting to prevent execution of unknown executables referenced via ManualAdbPath. Regularly audit and monitor systems for unusual process launches or configuration changes related to ADB-Explorer. Finally, restrict user privileges where possible to limit the impact of any code execution.