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CVE-2021-0928: High Vulnerability in Google Android

CVE-2021-0928 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android. It enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction. Immediate remediation is advised to mitigate potential risks.

HIGHPublic ExploitCVSS 7.8 · Published December 15, 2021

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CVE-2021-0928 represents a significant security concern within Google Android, affecting versions 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0. This vulnerability allows for local escalation of privilege due to a parcel serialization/deserialization mismatch stemming from inadequate input validation. The severity of this vulnerability is classified as high, with a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating a serious risk to organizations utilizing these Android versions.

The implications of this vulnerability are considerable. Attackers may leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or system resources without additional execution privileges required. Furthermore, there is no need for user interaction to exploit this vulnerability, making it more dangerous. Organizations are urged to prioritize patching to protect against potential exploitation.

Currently, there is a known public proof of concept (PoC) available for this vulnerability, which indicates a heightened risk of exploitation in the wild. Therefore, immediate action is necessary to address this issue and secure vulnerable systems.

Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. This vulnerability requires urgent attention to mitigate the risks associated with its exploitation.

Vulnerability Details

In createFromParcel of OutputConfiguration.java, there is a possible parcel serialization/deserialization mismatch due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android. Versions: Android-10, Android-11, Android-9. Android ID: A-188675581.

The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 7.8, categorizing it as high severity. The attack vector is local, and the attack complexity is low, indicating that an attacker with local access can exploit this vulnerability easily. Additionally, the required privileges for exploitation are low, and user interaction is not required.

The potential impacts of this vulnerability include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, showcasing the serious nature of this flaw.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2021-0928 lies in the improper validation of input during the serialization and deserialization process in the OutputConfiguration class. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate parcel data, leading to unexpected behavior and potential privilege escalation.

The attack vector is local, meaning that the attacker needs physical access to the vulnerable device. The complexity of the attack is classified as low, allowing for straightforward exploitation by an attacker with minimal skills. Since no user interaction is required, exploitation can occur without alerting the user.

The confidentiality impact is high, as an attacker may access sensitive information. The integrity impact is also high, as unauthorized changes could be made. Furthermore, the availability impact is high, indicating that the attacker could disrupt normal operations.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The deployment of this vulnerability in real-world environments poses a serious risk to organizations. It allows attackers to gain elevated privileges locally, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. As Android devices are widely used in both personal and professional contexts, the blast radius of this vulnerability is significant.

Given the high CVSS score and the presence of known public exploits, organizations must act swiftly. The potential for exploitation is exacerbated by the lack of user interaction required, making it easier for attackers to carry out successful attacks without detection.

Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The urgency is underscored by the high exploitability score and the fact that it is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, though public PoCs are available.

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

Yes

Public PoC

Yes

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The affected versions of Android include 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0. Organizations utilizing these versions should take immediate action to apply necessary patches.

Mitigation & Remediation

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-0928, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Google for Android products. Ensuring that systems are updated to the latest version is crucial for protection against this vulnerability.

If patches are not immediately available, organizations should consider implementing additional security measures, such as restricting access to sensitive areas of the system and enhancing monitoring for unusual activities.

For thorough security validation, organizations should engage in penetration testing to ensure that all security measures are effective.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts. Behavioral anomalies that deviate from normal operations should be flagged for further inspection. Additionally, network signatures related to this vulnerability should be established to help identify potential attacks.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2021-0928 highlights the continuous need for organizations to conduct regular security assessments. The presence of a public PoC indicates the potential for exploitation, emphasizing the importance of a proactive security posture.

Organizations should analyze their vulnerability management strategies to ensure they effectively address emerging threats. For more information on implementing best practices in vulnerability management, refer to our insights on the vulnerability management program.

Regular engagement in penetration testing methodology can also aid in identifying similar vulnerabilities in the future.

In conclusion, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their defense strategies to combat vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-0928 effectively.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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