CVE-2021-0920 is a vulnerability identified in the Android kernel, specifically in the function unix_scm_to_skb of af_unix.c. This vulnerability allows for a possible use after free bug due to a race condition, which could lead to local escalation of privilege. Since the vulnerability requires System execution privileges, organizations using affected versions should take this issue seriously as it poses a risk to their security posture. Notably, user interaction is not necessary for exploitation, making it a concern for any deployment of the Android kernel.
The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 6.4, categorizing it as medium severity. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to systems and potential data breaches if this vulnerability is exploited. Additionally, as this vulnerability has been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the associated risks.
The vulnerability was published on December 15, 2021, and is currently analyzed. Given its severity and the potential implications, organizations are urged to monitor their systems for this vulnerability and implement recommended updates as soon as possible.
In summary, CVE-2021-0920 presents a medium severity risk in the Android kernel that requires immediate attention from organizations utilizing the affected systems. The potential for privilege escalation and the lack of user interaction needed for exploitation heightens the urgency for remediation.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2021-0920 vulnerability allows for local escalation of privilege as a result of a race condition in the unix_scm_to_skb function within the af_unix.c file of the Android kernel. The CVSS score of 6.4 indicates a medium severity level, suggesting significant potential impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected systems include various versions of the Android kernel, specifically those prior to the vendor's patch. The vulnerability was disclosed on December 15, 2021, and relies on a high attack complexity with high privileges required for exploitation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a race condition that leads to a use after free condition. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have access to the local system to exploit the vulnerability. The attack complexity is classified as high, indicating that specific conditions must be met for the exploit to succeed.
The exploitation requires high privileges, meaning the attacker would need to have elevated permissions on the system. User interaction is not needed, which makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without any action from the victim.
In terms of impact, confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high. This means that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of data, or interruptions to system availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risks associated with CVE-2021-0920 are considerable. Organizations that utilize the Android kernel must be aware that a successful exploit could result in unauthorized privilege escalation, which in turn may lead to data breaches or system compromise. The potential blast radius is significant, especially for organizations relying on the affected systems for critical operations.
Given the medium severity of this vulnerability and its inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations should prioritize addressing it in their patching cycles. The CVSS score reflects an urgency that cannot be overlooked, and it is imperative that organizations act swiftly to mitigate this risk.
Organizations should also consider the long-term implications of this vulnerability. As exploitation techniques become more sophisticated, the potential for attackers to leverage such vulnerabilities in combination with others increases, heightening the overall risk landscape.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
CVE-2021-0920 affects several versions of the Android kernel, including all versions prior to the vendor patch and specific versions up to 5.14 release candidates. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest patched versions to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-0920, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by the vendor. For those unable to immediately upgrade their systems, implementing configuration hardening measures and monitoring for unusual behavior can help reduce the risk of exploitation. Regular security assessments, including penetration testing, can also assist in identifying weaknesses that may be exploited.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation, including unusual access patterns and system changes. Behavioral anomalies and network signatures associated with local privilege escalation attempts should also be closely watched to detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-0920 lies in the increasing prevalence of race condition vulnerabilities in software. As organizations deploy more complex systems, the likelihood of such vulnerabilities being present increases. Security teams should learn from this incident and prioritize robust testing methodologies to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Implementing a comprehensive vulnerability management program is essential for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities proactively.
Furthermore, integrating continuous security practices can help in adapting to evolving threats, ensuring that organizations stay ahead of potential exploitation attempts.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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