Memory-safe DNS parser integration in Google Pixel modem firmware
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Google has integrated a Rust-based Domain Name System (DNS) parser into the modem firmware of Pixel devices to address memory safety risks in cellular modem codebases. The integration targets a high-risk attack surface within the modem’s large executable codebase, which has drawn increased attacker attention in recent years. The change replaces memory-unsafe legacy implementations with a memory-safe Rust parser, reducing exposure to vulnerabilities arising from parsing untrusted DNS data in cellular protocols such as call forwarding. Pixel 10 series devices are the first to include this modification.
Timeline
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14.04.2026 13:21 1 articles · 6h ago
Rust DNS parser deployed in Google Pixel 10 modem firmware
Google deploys a Rust-based DNS parser in the modem firmware of Pixel 10 series devices to mitigate memory safety risks in cellular modem code. The parser replaces memory-unsafe legacy implementations and reduces the attack surface associated with DNS parsing in cellular protocols such as call forwarding. The change uses the hickory-proto library, modified for embedded environments, and serves as a foundation for future memory-safe integrations in baseband components.
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- Google Adds Rust DNS Parser to Pixel Phones for Better Security — www.securityweek.com — 14.04.2026 13:21
Information Snippets
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Google integrated a Rust-based DNS parser into Pixel modem firmware to mitigate memory safety vulnerabilities in cellular modem code.
First reported: 14.04.2026 13:211 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Google Adds Rust DNS Parser to Pixel Phones for Better Security — www.securityweek.com — 14.04.2026 13:21
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The Rust DNS parser targets the modem’s large executable codebase, which has become a prominent attack surface for cellular devices.
First reported: 14.04.2026 13:211 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Google Adds Rust DNS Parser to Pixel Phones for Better Security — www.securityweek.com — 14.04.2026 13:21
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DNS operations in cellular technology, such as call forwarding, rely on DNS services, making its secure parsing critical.
First reported: 14.04.2026 13:211 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Google Adds Rust DNS Parser to Pixel Phones for Better Security — www.securityweek.com — 14.04.2026 13:21
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The implementation uses the hickory-proto Rust library, modified for bare-metal and embedded use, with performance optimizations and API adaptations.
First reported: 14.04.2026 13:211 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Google Adds Rust DNS Parser to Pixel Phones for Better Security — www.securityweek.com — 14.04.2026 13:21
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Pixel 10 series devices are the first to include the Rust DNS parser in modem firmware.
First reported: 14.04.2026 13:211 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Google Adds Rust DNS Parser to Pixel Phones for Better Security — www.securityweek.com — 14.04.2026 13:21