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CVE-2021-0967: High Vulnerability in Google Android

CVE-2021-0967 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Google Android. A missing bounds check in the vorbis_book_decodev_set function could lead to remote information disclosure. Organizations should prioritize remediation.

HIGHCVSS 8.8 · Published December 15, 2021

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CVE-2021-0967 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Google Android operating system. This vulnerability allows for a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check in the vorbis_book_decodev_set function within codebook.c. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain remote information disclosure, which can occur without requiring additional execution privileges. However, user interaction is needed for exploitation.

With a CVSS score of 8.8, the severity of this vulnerability is classified as high. The implications of such a vulnerability can be significant, exposing sensitive information and potentially leading to further attacks. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Android (versions 9.0 through 12.0) should take immediate action.

The vulnerability was published on December 15, 2021, and has been modified as of November 21, 2024. Given the nature of the vulnerability and the required user interaction, it presents a specific risk context that organizations must evaluate. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.

As of now, no public exploits are confirmed, and the vulnerability is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Nevertheless, the potential impact remains high, and organizations must remain vigilant.

Vulnerability Details

In vorbis_book_decodev_set of codebook.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Vulnerable products include Android versions 9 through 12.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2021-0967 is a missing bounds check in the vorbis_book_decodev_set function, which is part of the audio processing functionality in Android. The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, as it requires user interaction to exploit. The attack complexity is considered low, meaning that attackers can exploit this vulnerability with minimal effort.

No privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, thereby increasing its risk. User interaction is necessary for the exploitation, indicating that the attacker would need to convince the user to perform a specific action that would trigger the vulnerability. The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability with high impacts in all areas.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Risk to organizations includes potential exposure of sensitive information. This vulnerability could be exploited in various scenarios, leading to unauthorized access to user data or system resources. The blast radius could be considerable, affecting numerous devices if they run vulnerable versions of the Android operating system. Organizations should assess their deployment of Android devices and prioritize patching schedules accordingly.

Given the high CVSS score and the potential for exploitation, organizations must act quickly in response to this vulnerability. The urgency for remediation is high, with immediate actions required to mitigate risks.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

All versions prior to vendor patch are affected, including Android versions 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, and 12.0.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Google has issued patches for this vulnerability, and organizations should ensure that their devices are updated to the latest versions to mitigate potential risks. Configuration hardening may also be implemented to limit exposure to this vulnerability.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Behavioral anomalies in user interactions with affected devices should also be tracked.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous bounds checking in software development. Security teams must regularly assess their systems for similar vulnerabilities. For better security posture, organizations should consider implementing penetration testing to identify weaknesses early. Additionally, following best practices for secure coding can prevent future vulnerabilities.

Organizations are encouraged to stay informed about emerging threats and trends by reviewing relevant resources such as penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management programs to enhance their security practices.

In conclusion, CVE-2021-0967 poses a significant risk to users of affected Android versions. Timely patching and adherence to security best practices are essential to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

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

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