Google rolls out Rust DNS parser in Pixel 10 modem firmware

Google has announced the integration of a Rust-based Domain Name System (DNS) parser into the Pixel phones’ modem firmware as part of its ongoing security enhancements. The move follows previous work to push memory-safe Rust code into low-level firmware to tackle memory safety flaws in Android and Chrome’s legacy C and C++ components.

According to Google, attackers have shown an increased interest in targeting the cellular modem in recent years, and Pixel’s modem contains a large amount of executable code, creating a complex and remote attack surface. The parser, built using the hickory-proto library and adapted for bare metal and embedded use, is intended to reduce security risk by mitigating an entire class of vulnerabilities in a risky area, while laying the groundwork for broader adoption of memory-safe code.

The Pixel 10 series are noted as the first products to incorporate memory-safe language into the modem, marking a significant step in strengthening the baseband’s security posture. 14 April 2026. according to Google