CVE-2021-0441 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2021
In onCreate of PermissionActivity.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to Confusing UI. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-174495520
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0441 resides within the PermissionActivity.java component of Android 11 systems, representing a critical permission bypass flaw that exploits confusing user interface elements to facilitate local privilege escalation. This issue manifests through the onCreate method where the application's permission handling mechanism becomes susceptible to user interface manipulation, allowing malicious actors to circumvent intended security controls without requiring additional execution privileges. The vulnerability's classification as a permission bypass aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms in software systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the confusing UI aspect where users may be misled into granting permissions that would otherwise be restricted. Attackers can craft scenarios where the user interface presents permission requests in a manner that confuses the user about the actual scope of permissions being requested. This manipulation occurs during the onCreate lifecycle method of the PermissionActivity, where the system's permission validation process becomes compromised. The vulnerability specifically targets the Android permission model's user interface layer, where the visual presentation of permission requests can be manipulated to deceive users into granting excessive privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-0441 extends beyond simple permission bypass to enable local privilege escalation, meaning that an attacker with minimal initial access can potentially gain elevated system privileges. This escalation occurs without requiring additional execution privileges, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious applications that have already gained some level of access to the system. The requirement for user interaction indicates that social engineering or user deception is necessary for exploitation, which aligns with attack patterns found in the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and user execution domains.
Security implications of this vulnerability are significant as it undermines the fundamental Android permission model that protects users from unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability demonstrates how user interface design flaws can create security weaknesses that bypass traditional access control mechanisms. Organizations implementing Android-based solutions must consider this vulnerability when assessing their mobile security posture, particularly in environments where privileged access could lead to data breaches or system compromise. The vulnerability's resolution requires careful attention to UI design principles and proper implementation of permission validation mechanisms. Mitigation strategies should include thorough review of permission request interfaces, implementation of additional validation checks, and user education regarding suspicious permission requests. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security design principles that prevent confusing UI elements from creating security vulnerabilities, as outlined in various security standards and best practices for mobile application development.