In the Android kernel, a high-severity vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0512 allows for local privilege escalation due to a heap buffer overflow in the __hidinput_change_resolution_multipliers function within hid-input.c. This flaw, which has a CVSS score of 7.8, presents a significant risk as it enables attackers to gain elevated privileges without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction.
The vulnerability was published on June 21, 2021, and has since been classified as 'Modified' due to potential changes in its status. Organizations utilizing Android devices or applications should prioritize addressing this issue to mitigate risks associated with local exploitation.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential disruption of services. Given the exploitability and the nature of the vulnerability, organizations are urged to take immediate action to patch the affected systems.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to protect against potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-2021-0512 describes a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the Android kernel, specifically within the __hidinput_change_resolution_multipliers function of hid-input.c. It is classified under CWE-787, indicating improper control of a resource through its lifetime. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8, categorized as high severity, illustrating the potential impact of exploitation.
The vulnerability affects all versions of the Android kernel prior to the vendor patch, emphasizing the need for timely updates to mitigate risks.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-0512 lies in a heap buffer overflow, which occurs when the application modifies the memory allocation beyond the designated buffer size. This is facilitated by low attack complexity, as the vulnerability can be exploited locally with low privileges and without user interaction.
The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have access to the device. The potential impacts include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability losses, as unauthorized access can lead to data compromise or service disruptions.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations deploying Android systems face significant risks due to this vulnerability. Attackers may leverage this flaw to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially leading to data breaches or service disruptions. The blast radius of this vulnerability can extend to all devices operating the affected versions of the Android kernel.
Given its high CVSS score, organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize patching in their remediation strategies. The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is critical, and proactive measures should be taken to minimize potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of the Android kernel prior to the vendor patch are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that their systems are updated to the latest security patches provided by Google.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Google for the Android kernel. For those unable to immediately patch, it is recommended to implement network controls to limit access to affected systems and monitor for any unusual activity.
Organizations may consider conducting regular security assessments, such as penetration testing, to identify vulnerabilities and ensure effective remediation processes are in place.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, such as unusual access patterns or system calls that may indicate privilege escalation activities. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in user activities may warrant further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-0512 highlights the persistent challenges associated with privilege escalation vulnerabilities in widely used platforms like Android. The ease of exploitation, combined with the significant impact on confidentiality and integrity, underscores the necessity for organizations to maintain a proactive security posture.
As trends in exploitation evolve, security teams must prioritize vulnerability management programs that encompass regular assessments and updates. For further reading on effective vulnerability management strategies, consider reviewing the vulnerability management program to enhance your organization's security posture.
In addition, organizations should stay informed on emerging threats and vulnerability trends to adapt their security measures accordingly. Resources such as the penetration testing methodology can provide valuable insights into how to effectively identify and address vulnerabilities.
Lastly, organizations are encouraged to implement continuous security testing practices to regularly assess their defenses against similar vulnerabilities. For more information, check out our guide on continuous security testing to ensure ongoing protection.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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