CVE-2021-1048 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the Android kernel. This vulnerability allows for a possible memory corruption due to a use-after-free condition in the ep_loop_check_proc function of eventpoll.c. As a result, it can lead to local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges. Importantly, user interaction is not needed for exploitation, making it a significant risk for affected systems.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.8, categorizing it as high severity. This score reflects the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all rated as high. With the vulnerability being local in nature and requiring low complexity to exploit, the urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is critical.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The vulnerability was published on December 15, 2021, and it has been analyzed thoroughly. Given its nature, this vulnerability represents a real threat, especially in environments where the Android kernel is deployed.
The Android security team has issued a patch to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. Details about the patch can be found through the vendor advisory. Ensuring that systems are updated will help protect against potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability described in CVE-2021-1048 is specifically related to a use-after-free error in the Android kernel. The official description states: 'In ep_loop_check_proc of eventpoll.c, there is a possible way to corrupt memory due to a use after free.' This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Android kernel prior to the vendor patch.
The CVSS score for CVE-2021-1048 is 7.8, indicating high severity. This score is derived from the following metrics: Attack Vector (Local), Attack Complexity (Low), Privileges Required (Low), User Interaction (None), and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high.
This vulnerability has been classified under CWE-416, which pertains to use after free vulnerabilities. Organizations using affected versions should prioritize remediation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-1048 lies in memory management within the Android kernel, specifically in the eventpoll.c file. The use-after-free condition arises when a memory block is accessed after it has been freed, leading to potential memory corruption. This vulnerability is exploited locally, meaning that an attacker needs access to the affected system.
The attack complexity is rated as low, indicating that exploiting this vulnerability does not require advanced skills or techniques. The privileges required to exploit this vulnerability are also low, allowing a local user to escalate their privileges without needing elevated rights. Moreover, user interaction is not required for exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly concerning in multi-user environments.
The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts of this vulnerability are all rated as high. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, modify system integrity, and disrupt service availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access and control over affected systems. The blast radius of this vulnerability can be significant, especially in environments where the Android kernel is widely used. Given that the vulnerability can be exploited locally without requiring additional privileges, the risk of exploitation increases.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with CVE-2021-1048. The urgency of addressing this vulnerability is underscored by its classification as a high severity issue with a CVSS score of 7.8. In addition to applying patches, organizations should consider implementing enhanced monitoring and logging to detect any unusual activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.
It is essential for security teams to evaluate the deployment of the Android kernel in their environments and assess the potential impact of this vulnerability on their operations. Organizations should also review their incident response plans to ensure they are prepared to handle potential exploitation scenarios.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of the Android kernel prior to the vendor patch.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions to remediate this vulnerability. The Android security bulletin provides information on the necessary patches. For those unable to patch immediately, implementing configuration hardening and network controls can help mitigate risks.
Monitoring for unusual activities can also assist in detecting potential exploitation attempts. Organizations may consider leveraging penetration testing to assess the effectiveness of their security measures.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor log indicators, looking for unusual access patterns or privilege escalations. Behavioral anomalies in user activity may also signal attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, network signatures associated with known attack methods can be effective in identifying potential exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-1048 lies in its demonstration of the risks associated with memory management flaws in kernel-level code. It highlights the need for security teams to prioritize secure coding practices and rigorous testing methodologies to identify vulnerabilities early in the development process.
This vulnerability also illustrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems and responding to vendor advisories promptly. Security teams should ensure that they are continuously monitoring for vulnerabilities and have a robust strategy for vulnerability management in place.
For further reading on vulnerability management best practices, organizations can refer to the vulnerability management program design and consider implementing a penetration testing methodology to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
Organizations should also keep abreast of trends in cyber threats and vulnerabilities, such as those detailed in the ransomware statistics report to inform their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)