CVE-2021-0388 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2021
In onReceive of ImsPhoneCallTracker.java, there is a possible misattribution of data usage due to an incorrect broadcast handler. This could lead to local escalation of privilege resulting in attributing video call data to the wrong app, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-162741489
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0388 resides within the Android operating system's telecommunications framework, specifically in the ImsPhoneCallTracker.java component that manages IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) voice and video calls. This flaw represents a critical misattribution issue that could potentially enable malicious actors to manipulate data usage reporting mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests in the onReceive method where broadcast handlers fail to properly validate or process incoming telephony events, creating a pathway for incorrect data attribution. The issue is classified under CWE-200 as it involves improper handling of sensitive information during data processing, specifically affecting how network usage statistics are assigned to applications.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the system processes broadcast intents related to call events, particularly video calls, where the data usage tracking mechanism incorrectly associates network traffic with the wrong application. This misattribution happens because the broadcast handler does not properly validate the source or context of incoming telephony events before updating the data usage records. The vulnerability does not require any user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically through normal telephony operations. Attackers could potentially leverage this to manipulate billing records, influence data usage quotas, or create false attribution of network resources to specific applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data misattribution to potentially enable local privilege escalation within the Android system. While the exploit does not require additional execution privileges, the ability to manipulate how data usage is tracked could provide attackers with insights into application behavior and network patterns. The flaw affects Android 11 systems and represents a significant concern for network administrators and security professionals monitoring mobile device usage. The vulnerability could be exploited to create false billing claims or manipulate application-specific data usage metrics, potentially affecting carrier billing systems and enterprise resource planning tools that rely on accurate usage data.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation within the broadcast handler mechanisms, ensuring that all incoming telephony events are properly authenticated and validated before data attribution occurs. System administrators should consider applying the latest security patches from Google that address this specific vulnerability in the ImsPhoneCallTracker component. The fix typically involves strengthening the broadcast intent processing logic to prevent incorrect data usage assignment and ensuring that only legitimate telephony events can modify network usage statistics. Organizations should also monitor for unusual data usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could be used in conjunction with other attack vectors to create more sophisticated exploitation scenarios. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for privilege escalation through system-level manipulation and represents a significant risk to mobile network security and billing integrity.