CVE-2021-0918 is a high-severity vulnerability found in Google Android. This vulnerability allows for a possible out of bounds write in the function gatt_process_notification of gatt_cl.cc. The absence of a bounds check could enable an attacker to execute remote code over Bluetooth, posing significant risks to users.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as high, with a CVSS score of 8.8. This indicates a serious risk, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to compromise devices without the need for any additional execution privileges or user interaction. Organizations must take immediate action to mitigate risks associated with this flaw.
Exploitation of this vulnerability is feasible, and there are already indicators of potential malicious use. As such, it is imperative for organizations deploying Android 12 systems to prioritize remediation efforts. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The urgency of addressing such vulnerabilities cannot be overstated, given the potential impact on security postures.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that in gatt_process_notification of gatt_cl.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution over Bluetooth with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. The affected product is Android, specifically version 12.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating high severity. The vulnerability type is classified under CWE-787. The publication date of this vulnerability was December 15, 2021.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-0918 is a missing bounds check within the Bluetooth stack of Android. This oversight allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, leading to potential arbitrary code execution. The attack vector for this vulnerability is classified as adjacent network, meaning that an attacker needs to be within Bluetooth range of the device.
The attack complexity is low, as no special conditions are required for exploitation. Additionally, the privileges required are none, and user interaction is not needed. This vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, leading to high impacts in all three areas.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2021-0918 includes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data and system controls through compromised Bluetooth connections. Organizations using Android 12 are particularly vulnerable and must consider the blast radius of such an attack, which could affect multiple users if exploited in a public space.
The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score indicates that organizations need to act swiftly. Given that this vulnerability is present in a widely used operating system, the potential impact on user security and privacy is significant.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected version for this vulnerability is Android 12. Organizations should note that all versions prior to the vendor patch are vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest security patches provided by Google. It is crucial to upgrade to the most recent version of Android to ensure that this vulnerability is addressed.
In the absence of immediate patch availability, organizations should implement network controls to limit Bluetooth access and monitor for any anomalous activity indicative of exploitation attempts.
For ongoing security, organizations may consider engaging in continuous security testing to assess vulnerabilities regularly.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual Bluetooth activity, such as unexpected connections or data transfers. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in device performance may suggest exploitation attempts.
Network signatures for unauthorized Bluetooth access should be established to preemptively detect potential attacks.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-0918 highlights the ongoing risks associated with wireless communication protocols, particularly Bluetooth. As the use of Bluetooth technology continues to grow, vulnerabilities like this emphasize the need for robust security practices in mobile device management.
This vulnerability represents a pattern where inadequate input validation leads to severe security flaws, underscoring the importance of thorough testing and code reviews in software development.
Security teams should take note of this incident as a strategic defensive takeaway to prioritize security measures in the development and deployment phases of mobile applications.
For further insights on vulnerabilities and security assessments, organizations can explore our resources on vulnerability management programs and best practices in penetration testing methodology for comprehensive security strategies.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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