CVE-2021-39624 is a medium-severity vulnerability found in the PackageManager component of Google Android. It allows for a possible permanent denial of service due to resource exhaustion. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user execution privileges but does not necessitate user interaction. The potential impact is significant, as it could lead to a local denial of service, making it crucial for organizations to address this issue promptly.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. With a high availability impact, organizations running affected versions of Android should prioritize remediation efforts. The vulnerability was published on March 16, 2022, and has been modified since its initial disclosure, emphasizing the need for organizations to stay informed about the evolving threat landscape.
Risk to organizations includes potential service disruptions that can affect user experience and operational efficiency. As the exploitation status indicates that no known exploits currently exist, this creates a narrow window of opportunity for organizations to implement necessary patches before any active exploitation occurs. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
In light of the above considerations, it is vital for organizations to remain vigilant and ensure that they have the latest updates applied to their Android systems to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-39624.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2021-39624 states: In PackageManager, there is a possible permanent denial of service due to resource exhaustion. This could lead to local denial of service with user execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. The affected products include Android versions 10, 11, 12, and 12L, which underscores the widespread impact of this vulnerability.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, classified as medium severity. This classification highlights the importance of addressing the vulnerability to prevent potential service disruptions. The vulnerability was disclosed on March 16, 2022, and has undergone modifications since its release, indicating ongoing assessments and updates from the vendor.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-39624 arises from the PackageManager component's inability to manage resources effectively, which can lead to exhaustion. The attack vector is classified as LOCAL, meaning that an attacker must have local access to the device. The attack complexity is low, indicating that successfully exploiting this vulnerability does not require sophisticated techniques or prolonged efforts.
Privileges required for exploitation are low, as the attacker only needs user execution privileges. Importantly, user interaction is not required, which significantly increases the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability impacts availability severely, as successful attacks can render the affected system or application unusable. No impact on confidentiality or integrity is reported.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations deploying Android devices with versions 10, 11, 12, and 12L are at risk of service disruptions due to CVE-2021-39624. The potential for local denial of service can affect user productivity and lead to significant operational challenges. The availability impact is categorized as high, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this vulnerability.
Given the medium CVSS score and the absence of known exploits, organizations should take a proactive approach to vulnerability management. Prioritizing patching as part of the regular maintenance cycle is essential to mitigate risks effectively. The relatively low EPSS score further suggests that while the likelihood of exploitation may be low, the consequences of an attack could be severe, reinforcing the need for prompt action.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Android include 10.0, 11.0, 12.0, and 12.1. Organizations using these versions should take immediate action to update their systems to the latest patched versions to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-39624, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Google for the affected Android versions. Keeping systems updated is essential for maintaining security and performance. If patches are not immediately available, implement workarounds such as restricting access to sensitive functionalities that could be exploited.
Organizations can also enhance their defenses through configuration hardening, such as limiting user permissions and monitoring for unusual resource consumption patterns. Regularly scheduled security assessments and continuous penetration testing can further identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited. For more information on effective remediation strategies, organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing to evaluate the security of their applications and systems.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for log indicators associated with resource exhaustion can help in detecting potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should look for unusual patterns in resource usage, such as spikes in CPU or memory consumption, which may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing behavioral anomaly detection can assist in identifying unauthorized access or unusual system behavior.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-39624 reflects ongoing challenges in resource management within software components. The potential for denial of service vulnerabilities to disrupt services necessitates a robust security posture, especially for widely used platforms like Android. Security teams should take this as a reminder to regularly review and update their security measures, incorporating lessons learned from previous incidents.
Organizations are encouraged to enhance their vulnerability management programs by adopting best practices in vulnerability management and engaging in regular security assessments. For further insights into application security, organizations can refer to resources on penetration testing methodology and the latest trends in threat intelligence.
In conclusion, CVE-2021-39624 serves as a critical reminder for organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in their approach to security, particularly in managing vulnerabilities that could lead to significant impacts on service availability.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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