CVE-2021-0349 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In display driver, there is a possible memory corruption due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android; Versions: Android-9, Android-10, Android-11; Patch ID: ALPS05362646.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0349 resides within the display driver component of Android operating systems, representing a critical memory corruption issue that stems from a use-after-free condition. This flaw manifests in Android versions 9, 10, and 11, affecting devices that utilize the affected display driver implementations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions where a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, creating potential exploitation opportunities for malicious actors seeking to manipulate system behavior.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows for local privilege escalation through memory corruption that can be leveraged by malicious applications or processes running with standard user privileges. The exploitability of this condition does not require user interaction, meaning that an attacker can potentially trigger the vulnerability automatically without any direct user engagement. This characteristic significantly increases the risk profile of the vulnerability, as it can be exploited silently in the background. The use-after-free condition in the display driver context typically occurs when the driver fails to properly manage memory references during display operations, particularly when handling graphics rendering or display buffer management.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-0349 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables attackers to escalate privileges to system level execution privileges. This escalation capability represents a severe threat to device security, as it allows unauthorized access to system resources, potential data exfiltration, and complete device compromise. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Android versions indicates a widespread exposure risk, with the patch ID ALPS05362646 serving as the official remediation for affected devices. This privilege escalation vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how display driver vulnerabilities can serve as critical attack surfaces for system compromise.
The implications of this vulnerability extend to enterprise and consumer security environments alike, as it affects devices that process graphical content through the display subsystem. The memory corruption aspect can potentially lead to system crashes, data corruption, or more severe exploitation outcomes including full system takeover. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in scenarios where malicious applications might be installed on devices or when attackers can leverage other initial access vectors to deploy exploits. Security professionals should prioritize patching affected Android devices to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability represents a significant risk to device integrity and user data protection. The use-after-free condition in display drivers specifically highlights the importance of proper memory management in graphics processing components and demonstrates how seemingly isolated driver issues can lead to system-wide compromise.