CVE-2021-0583 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/11/2021
In onCreate of BluetoothPairingDialog, there is a possible way to enable Bluetooth without user consent due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-9 Android-10Android ID: A-182282956
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0583 resides within the BluetoothPairingDialog component of Android operating systems version 9 and 10. This flaw represents a significant security concern that exploits the trust model inherent in user interface interactions, specifically targeting the authorization mechanisms that govern Bluetooth pairing operations. The vulnerability manifests through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages overlay techniques to deceive users into inadvertently granting Bluetooth access permissions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a tapjacking or overlay attack that manipulates the user interface to create a deceptive pairing dialog. When a user interacts with what appears to be a legitimate Bluetooth pairing prompt, an attacker can overlay malicious content that captures user input intended for a different application or system component. This overlay technique effectively bypasses the normal user consent mechanisms that should be required for Bluetooth pairing operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the onCreate method of the BluetoothPairingDialog, where the application fails to properly validate the authenticity of the user interaction context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables a local escalation of privilege scenario that requires only user execution privileges to exploit successfully. The attack chain begins with a user performing a seemingly benign interaction with an application, which then triggers the malicious overlay to present a false pairing dialog. The attacker can then manipulate the Bluetooth pairing process to establish unauthorized connections without the user's genuine consent. This creates a persistent security risk where unauthorized Bluetooth access can be established, potentially enabling further attacks including data exfiltration, device control, or network infiltration. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that Bluetooth pairing operations often involve trust relationships with other devices and can provide access to sensitive device functionalities.
The security implications of CVE-2021-0583 align with several cybersecurity frameworks and attack patterns. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-691, which addresses insufficient control flow management in user interface interactions, and specifically relates to CWE-352, which covers Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks that can be extended to UI overlay scenarios. From the MITRE ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to techniques under T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) where the initial compromise through UI manipulation leads to elevated privileges. The attack vector also demonstrates characteristics of T1546 (Event Triggered Execution) and T1550 (Use of Unprotected Credentials) as it exploits user interactions to gain access to protected system resources. The vulnerability's classification as a local escalation of privilege underscores the need for proper input validation and user interface integrity checks within Android's security model.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-0583 should focus on implementing robust user interface validation mechanisms and strengthening the Bluetooth pairing authorization process. Android security updates typically address such vulnerabilities through enhanced overlay detection systems that monitor for malicious UI elements and validate the authenticity of user interaction contexts. Organizations should ensure immediate patch deployment for affected Android versions, particularly in enterprise environments where Bluetooth-enabled devices may be exposed to targeted attacks. Additional protective measures include user education about suspicious pairing prompts, implementation of mobile device management solutions that can detect anomalous Bluetooth behavior, and network-level monitoring for unauthorized Bluetooth connections. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining secure coding practices that prevent UI manipulation attacks and emphasizes the need for continuous security auditing of user interface components that handle sensitive authorization operations.