CVE-2021-0662 is a medium-severity vulnerability discovered in Google Android's audio DSP component. This vulnerability allows for a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check, which could lead to a local escalation of privilege. Exploitation of this vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it particularly concerning for affected systems. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.7, indicating a medium risk level, and it affects Android versions 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent potential exploitation. Given the nature of the vulnerability, the risks could include unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and data manipulation, which could lead to significant impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The vulnerability was published on October 25, 2021, and its status has since been modified. Organizations are encouraged to keep abreast of updates to ensure they are protected against this and similar vulnerabilities.
As of now, there are no known exploits or public proof-of-concept code available for this vulnerability, but the absence of such data does not diminish the need for urgent remediation.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states: "In audio DSP, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS05844434; Issue ID: ALPS05844434." The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, indicating an out-of-bounds write error.
The CVSS version 3.1 score is 6.7, characterized by a local attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, and no user interaction necessary. This configuration can have high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The affected products include Google Android versions 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0. The vulnerability remains a critical concern as it can be exploited without any user intervention.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-0662 lies in the audio DSP component's failure to perform proper bounds checking. This oversight allows attackers with high privileges to exploit the vulnerability locally. The attack complexity is rated as low, meaning that the conditions for exploitation are not particularly challenging. High privileges are required to execute the exploit, but since no user interaction is necessary, the risk of exploitation is elevated.
The impacts of this vulnerability are severe; it can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, which can lead to significant data breaches. The potential blast radius is considerable, affecting not only the immediate system but also interconnected systems if exploited. Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate associated risks.
The urgency for remediation is classified as medium due to the exploitability and the requirement for high privileges for successful exploitation. However, organizations should not delay in implementing patches to prevent possible escalations.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of Android prior to vendor patch, specifically Android versions 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability. The relevant patch ID is ALPS05844434, which addresses the out-of-bounds write issue. If immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should implement configuration hardening and network controls to limit exposure.
For detailed guidance on vulnerability management, organizations can refer to the vulnerability management program to develop a comprehensive strategy for managing vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual access attempts or privilege escalations that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Behavioral anomalies in system operations can also serve as indicators. Network signatures should be established to detect any attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-0662 exemplifies the ongoing risks associated with privilege escalation vulnerabilities in widely used software. This vulnerability highlights the need for continuous monitoring and timely updates to mitigate potential threats. Security teams should remain vigilant against similar vulnerabilities, as they can pose significant risks to the integrity and security of systems.
To strengthen security postures, organizations can employ penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities proactively.
Moreover, adopting a penetration testing methodology can help in understanding the landscape of vulnerabilities, allowing teams to prioritize remediation effectively.
Finally, security awareness training can empower employees to recognize and report potential vulnerabilities, further enhancing organizational security.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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