CVE-2021-39628 is a low-severity vulnerability identified in Google Android versions 10 and 11. It allows for the possible disclosure of notification content on the lockscreen due to a logic error in the code. This vulnerability enables local information disclosure without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction. Given its nature, the risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information displayed on the lockscreen, which can lead to potential privacy breaches.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 3.3, classifying it as low severity. Although the score indicates a lower risk, organizations should not overlook the potential implications of this flaw, particularly in environments where sensitive notifications may be visible on the lockscreen.
As of now, there are no known exploits associated with this vulnerability, which means that while the risk exists, it is currently not being actively exploited in the wild. However, organizations should address this vulnerability in their patch management cycle to prevent any future risks.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate potential risks associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
In StatusBar.java, there is a possible disclosure of notification content on the lockscreen due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android Versions: Android-10, Android-11. Android ID: A-189575031.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-668, indicating a potential issue with improper handling of security controls.
The CVSS score of 3.3 indicates that the vulnerability has a low impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with a score of 'low' for each aspect.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in a logic error within the StatusBar component of the Android operating system. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have physical access to the device to exploit this vulnerability. The complexity of the attack is rated as low, and it requires low privileges to execute. Importantly, no user interaction is necessary for exploitation, which increases the likelihood of an attacker successfully leveraging this vulnerability.
In terms of impact, the vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect, as it allows unauthorized users to view notification contents without having proper privileges. However, there is no impact on the integrity or availability of the system.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information displayed on the lockscreen of Android devices. This could be particularly concerning in environments where sensitive communications are expected to remain confidential. While the CVSS score is low, the potential for local information disclosure can still have significant implications.
Organizations should assess the impact of this vulnerability in their specific contexts, especially where devices may be used in public or shared spaces. The urgency assessment for remediation is moderate, as it is important to address this vulnerability during the next patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions are Android 10.0 and Android 11.0. Organizations should ensure that they are using updated versions to avoid this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should monitor for available patches and updates from Google for Android. Upgrading to the latest version is the recommended course of action. If patching is not immediately feasible, organizations may consider implementing configuration hardening measures to limit access to sensitive notifications on lockscreens.
For further guidance on ensuring application security, organizations can refer to our application security assessment resources.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should look for abnormal behavior concerning notification visibility on lockscreens. Monitoring logs for unauthorized access attempts and unusual patterns of notification display can also aid in identifying potential threats.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-39628 highlights the importance of secure coding practices in mobile development. This vulnerability serves as a reminder for security teams to conduct comprehensive reviews of code logic, particularly in components that handle sensitive information. Regular updates and proactive security assessments can mitigate risks associated with such vulnerabilities.
Organizations are encouraged to enhance their security posture by adopting a penetration testing methodology to identify and remediate vulnerabilities effectively.
Additionally, exploring our vulnerability management program can provide insights into maintaining an effective security strategy.
Finally, organizations should stay updated on evolving threats and vulnerabilities by engaging with our blog for the latest insights and best practices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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