CVE-2021-0480 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
In createPendingIntent of SnoozeHelper.java, there is a possible broadcast intent containing a sensitive identifier. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-8.1 Android-9Android ID: A-174493336
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0480 resides within the SnoozeHelper.java component of Android operating systems across multiple versions including Android 8.1, 9, 10, and 11. This issue manifests in the createPendingIntent method where a broadcast intent is constructed containing what appears to be a sensitive identifier. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-200, which addresses exposure of sensitive information, and represents a significant concern for Android device security. The flaw does not require any special execution privileges for exploitation, making it particularly concerning as it can be leveraged by malicious actors with minimal privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of sensitive data within PendingIntent objects that are used to schedule future broadcast intents. When the SnoozeHelper component creates these pending intents, it inadvertently includes identifiers that could reveal information about the device, user, or application state. These identifiers might include unique device identifiers, user session data, or other sensitive metadata that could be extracted by malicious applications or attackers. The design flaw suggests that the system fails to properly sanitize or obfuscate sensitive data before incorporating it into broadcast intents, creating a potential information disclosure channel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks. While the vulnerability itself requires user interaction for exploitation, once triggered it could enable attackers to gather sensitive information about device users, potentially leading to further compromise through social engineering or targeted attacks. The fact that this affects multiple Android versions indicates a widespread issue that could impact millions of devices, making it a high-priority security concern for device manufacturers and users alike. Attackers could potentially use the disclosed information to track user behavior, identify device ownership patterns, or gather data for more complex attack vectors.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1056.001, which covers input injection through the use of broadcast receivers and intent handling. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and data sanitization practices within the Android framework, specifically in how pending intents are constructed and managed. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper data sanitization before intent construction, using secure coding practices for intent handling, and ensuring that sensitive identifiers are not exposed through broadcast mechanisms. Device manufacturers should prioritize patching this vulnerability across all affected Android versions, while users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest security patches. Additionally, developers should review their own implementations of similar functionality to prevent similar issues in custom applications that may interact with system components in similar ways.