CVE-2021-0319 is a high-severity vulnerability found in the Android operating system that affects versions 8.0 through 11. This vulnerability allows a possible way to obtain a nearby Bluetooth device's MAC address without the necessary permissions, due to a permissions bypass in the CompanionDeviceManagerService.java. Attackers may leverage this weakness to escalate privileges locally, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.3, indicating a high level of severity. The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to Bluetooth device information, which could compromise user privacy and security. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of user awareness and system updates.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability. The vulnerability was published on January 11, 2021, and has been modified recently, making it crucial for organizations to stay updated on security patches.
As of now, there is no known public exploit available, but the presence of a proof of concept on GitHub indicates that attackers may soon exploit this vulnerability if it remains unaddressed.
Vulnerability Details
In checkCallerIsSystemOr of CompanionDeviceManagerService.java, there is a possible way to get a nearby Bluetooth device's MAC address without appropriate permissions due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local escalation of privilege that grants access to nearby MAC addresses, with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
The affected product is Android, specifically versions 8.0, 8.1, 9.0, 10.0, and 11. The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating that the attack vector is local with low complexity and low privileges required. The potential impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all high.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of permissions within the CompanionDeviceManagerService. Specifically, the lack of stringent checks allows unauthorized access to sensitive Bluetooth information. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must be within proximity to a vulnerable device to exploit this issue.
Given that user interaction is required, the complexity of the attack is considered low. However, the implications can be severe as attackers may access and misuse Bluetooth device information. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated high, highlighting the critical nature of this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2021-0319 is significant, particularly in environments where Bluetooth devices are widely used. The ability to access MAC addresses without authorization poses a risk to user privacy and could facilitate further attacks. Organizations using Android devices should be particularly vigilant, as the blast radius potential for this vulnerability is considerable.
Given the CVSS score of 7.3 and the fact that this vulnerability is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should assess their risk posture accordingly. Although the EPSS score indicates a low probability of exploitation, immediate action is recommended to address this vulnerability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of Android prior to the vendor patch, specifically Android-8.0, Android-8.1, Android-9, Android-10, and Android-11.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately by updating to the latest version of Android that addresses this vulnerability. If a patch is not available, consider implementing workarounds such as disabling Bluetooth functionality when not in use. Configuration hardening can also mitigate risks by ensuring that permissions are correctly set for Bluetooth services.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized Bluetooth access. Behavioral anomalies in Bluetooth connectivity should be investigated promptly. Additionally, network signatures related to Bluetooth communications may provide valuable insights into potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-0319 lies in its potential to expose sensitive Bluetooth device information. Security teams should recognize this vulnerability as part of a larger trend in permissions mismanagement across various platforms. It underscores the necessity for proactive security measures, including regular security assessments and user training.
For further insights, organizations can benefit from our resources on penetration testing methodologies and vulnerability management to effectively mitigate risks.
By understanding the implications of vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-0319, organizations can better position themselves to defend against future threats and secure their systems.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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