CVE-2021-0602 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In onCreateOptionsMenu of WifiNetworkDetailsFragment.java, there is a possible way for guest users to view and modify Wi-Fi settings for all configured APs due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11Android ID: A-177573895
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2021-0602 represents a critical permission bypass flaw within the Android Wi-Fi management framework that affects Android 10 and Android 11 versions. This issue resides in the onCreateOptionsMenu method of the WifiNetworkDetailsFragment.java component, which is part of the system's network configuration interface. The flaw allows guest users to gain unauthorized access to Wi-Fi settings for all configured access points, effectively undermining the security boundaries that should separate different user roles within the Android operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the Wi-Fi configuration fragment. When the onCreateOptionsMenu method is invoked, it fails to properly validate user permissions before exposing Wi-Fi management controls to guest accounts. This oversight creates a pathway where users without appropriate administrative privileges can manipulate network configurations through the graphical user interface. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the Android framework, specifically targeting the network settings management component that handles Wi-Fi access point configurations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for local privilege escalation attacks. The flaw does not require any additional execution privileges or user interaction for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any user account within the system. The implications extend beyond simple configuration changes, as unauthorized modification of Wi-Fi settings could enable attackers to establish persistent network access points, redirect traffic through malicious nodes, or disable security features that protect against unauthorized network access. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all Android system components.
The security implications of CVE-2021-0602 align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control vulnerabilities, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates how insufficient permission checks can be leveraged to gain elevated system access without requiring additional attack vectors. Organizations and users should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, particularly in environments where guest accounts are enabled or where multiple user profiles share the same device. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for automated attack scenarios and emphasizes the need for immediate remediation through system updates or security patches.