CVE-2021-0405 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2021
In performance driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Product: Android; Versions: Android-10, Android-11; Patch ID: ALPS05466547.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0405 resides within the performance driver component of Android operating systems, specifically affecting versions Android 10 and Android 11. This represents a critical security flaw that demonstrates a classic out-of-bounds write condition, a common yet dangerous class of programming error that can be exploited to gain elevated system privileges. The issue manifests in the kernel-level performance driver where insufficient input validation leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from a missing bounds check within the performance driver implementation, which is categorized under CWE-129 as an "Improper Validation of Array Index." This flaw allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of an array or buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations. The absence of proper input validation means that malicious data can be written to memory locations that should remain protected, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue indicates that exploitation requires only local access to the device, eliminating the need for network-based attack vectors or user interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe given that it can be exploited to achieve system-level execution privileges without requiring user interaction. This characteristic places it within the ATT&CK framework under T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage system vulnerabilities to gain elevated access. The patch ID ALPS05466547 indicates this was addressed through a specific firmware update targeting the MediaTek-based Android devices, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue across multiple device manufacturers. The vulnerability affects all Android versions up to and including Android 11, making it particularly concerning as it spans a significant portion of the Android ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-0405 should prioritize immediate patch deployment for all affected Android versions, particularly focusing on devices running Android 10 and 11. Organizations and users must ensure that all devices are updated to the latest security patches, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices may be left unattended. System administrators should implement proactive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence feeds to identify any emerging attack patterns related to this vulnerability. The fix implemented in patch ALPS05466547 demonstrates the importance of proper bounds checking in kernel drivers and serves as a reminder of the critical need for rigorous code review processes in system-level software development. Additionally, device manufacturers should consider implementing additional security measures such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities.