CVE-2021-0406 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2021
In cameraisp, 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: ALPS05471418.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0406 resides within the cameraisp component of Android systems, specifically affecting Android versions 10 and 11. This issue represents a critical security flaw that manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition, fundamentally compromising system integrity and user security. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the camera image signal processing subsystem, which processes raw image data from camera sensors. Such missing validation allows malicious code to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and undermining system stability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems. This flaw operates at the kernel level within the camera subsystem, where untrusted input from camera hardware is processed without adequate boundary validation. The absence of bounds checking creates a predictable attack surface that adversaries can exploit to manipulate memory structures. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically when camera services are invoked, even during routine device operations. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1068 technique for Local Privilege Escalation, where attackers can leverage kernel-level flaws to gain elevated system privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-0406 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with system execution privileges that can be used to install persistent backdoors, modify system binaries, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The cameraisp component typically operates with high privileges to process image data efficiently, and the missing bounds check creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate this privileged execution context. Once exploited, the vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass normal security controls, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The patch ID ALPS05471418 indicates that this vulnerability was addressed in a specific Android system update, demonstrating the severity of the flaw and the need for immediate remediation. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Android versions suggests a systemic issue within the camera subsystem implementation that required targeted fixes to prevent exploitation across different device configurations and manufacturer implementations.