CVE-2021-0347 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In ccu, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Product: Android; Versions: Android-8.1, Android-9, Android-10, Android-11; Patch ID: ALPS05377188.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0347 affects the ccu component within Android operating systems across multiple versions including Android 8.1, 9, 10, and 11. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that arises from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the affected code module. The vulnerability resides in the communication control unit which serves as a critical interface component for system operations and device management functions. The missing bounds check creates a scenario where the system attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and data exposure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system execution privileges and user interaction to initiate the malicious payload. This means that an attacker must already possess system-level access or have successfully escalated privileges to the system level before attempting to exploit this particular flaw. The requirement for user interaction suggests that the attack vector likely involves some form of legitimate system interaction or application usage that triggers the vulnerable code path. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues that have plagued mobile operating systems for years. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique where adversaries leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities to gain elevated system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-0347 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. While the immediate effect is local information disclosure, the presence of an out-of-bounds read vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive data from system memory, potentially including cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential information. The patch ID ALPS05377188 indicates that this vulnerability was addressed through a specific software update for the Android Linux kernel components. Organizations deploying affected Android versions must prioritize immediate patch deployment to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the persistent challenges in mobile security where low-level system components remain vulnerable to memory safety issues despite years of security improvements in mobile operating systems. Security teams should implement continuous monitoring for similar vulnerabilities and maintain robust patch management processes to address such issues before they can be exploited in the wild.