CVE-2021-0306 is a high-severity vulnerability discovered in the Android operating system, particularly in the addAllPermissions method of PermissionManagerService.java. This vulnerability allows an application to gain the android.permission.ACTIVITY_RECOGNITION permission without necessary user confirmation when upgrading between major Android versions. As a result, this could lead to local escalation of privilege without the need for additional execution privileges. Importantly, user interaction is not required for exploitation, which raises significant concerns regarding user privacy and security.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level. This score reflects its potential impact, as exploitation could lead to significant confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts for affected systems. Organizations utilizing Android versions 8.0, 8.1, 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0 are particularly at risk.
With this vulnerability being classified as high risk, organizations must prioritize patching immediately. Existing Android users should be aware of the implications, as attackers may leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Currently, there is no public exploit available; however, the vulnerability is acknowledged in various security advisories, emphasizing the need for prompt updates and mitigation strategies.
In summary, CVE-2021-0306 represents a serious threat to Android users, and immediate action is required to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows apps to bypass permission checks during major Android version upgrades. Specifically, it affects Android versions 8.0, 8.1, 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0. The official description outlines that exploitation does not require user interaction, which significantly increases the potential for abuse by malicious applications.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-269, which pertains to improper privilege management. This classification highlights the systemic issue of permission handling in the Android ecosystem, which could be exploited to elevate privileges without proper oversight.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 7.8, indicating high severity. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have physical access to the device. However, the low complexity of the attack (AC:L) and the fact that it requires low privileges (PR:L) make it a significant risk.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-0306 stems from insufficient validation in the permission management system of Android. When users upgrade their Android devices to major new versions, the permission model fails to adhere to the expected behavior, allowing applications to gain sensitive permissions without user consent.
The attack vector is classified as local, meaning that an attacker must have physical access to the device. The complexity of the attack is low, with attackers needing minimal knowledge and resources to exploit the vulnerability. No user interaction is required, making it easier for malicious applications to exploit this flaw.
In terms of impacts, this vulnerability has high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the device, compromising user data and potentially leading to further exploitation.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes exposure to unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where sensitive information is stored on Android devices. This vulnerability can be exploited with relative ease due to the low complexity of the attack, increasing the urgency for organizations to address it.
The implications of this vulnerability are significant, as it allows attackers to gain sensitive permissions without user consent, leading to potential unauthorized access to private data. Organizations that utilize Android devices for sensitive operations should prioritize remediation efforts to prevent exploitation.
Given the high CVSS score of 7.8 and the fact that the vulnerability is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should focus on ensuring that their devices are updated to the latest patched versions of Android to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects the following Android versions: 8.0, 8.1, 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0. Organizations should ensure that their systems are updated to the latest patched versions to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate CVE-2021-0306, Google has released patches for affected versions of Android. Organizations should prioritize patching their Android devices immediately. For those unable to apply patches, consider implementing configuration hardening and network controls to mitigate exposure.
It is recommended that security teams conduct a thorough review of their mobile application security practices to ensure no sensitive permissions are granted without user consent.
Organizations can validate the effectiveness of their remediation strategies through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual permission requests and application behavior. Behavioral anomalies in applications concerning permissions should be flagged for further investigation.
Monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns can also help identify unauthorized access attempts and bolster defenses against exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-0306 highlights the critical importance of permission management in mobile operating systems. As mobile applications become increasingly sophisticated, the potential for privilege escalation through overlooked vulnerabilities will continue to grow. Security teams must remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and remediating such vulnerabilities.
This incident emphasizes the need for robust security practices, including regular security assessments. Organizations can enhance their defenses by implementing continuous assessment practices, such as continuous penetration testing, which can help identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Additionally, organizations should invest in user education regarding permissions and application security. Ensuring that users understand the implications of permission requests can further reduce the risk of exploitation.
As mobile technology evolves, continuous monitoring and adaptation of security practices will be vital to maintaining the integrity of user data and preventing unauthorized access.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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