CVE-2021-0629 in MT6873
Summary
by MITRE • 11/18/2021
In mdlactl driver, there is a possible memory corruption due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS05776625; Issue ID: ALPS05776625.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0629 affects the mdlactl driver component within Android operating systems, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables local privilege escalation. This issue stems from a use-after-free condition that occurs when the driver improperly handles memory allocation and deallocation sequences, creating opportunities for malicious code execution with elevated system privileges. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices running Android versions prior to 2021, making it particularly concerning for legacy systems and enterprise deployments where patching timelines may be extended.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability resides in improper memory management within the mdlactl driver, which is responsible for handling multimedia device communication and control operations. When the driver processes certain input parameters or executes specific commands, it fails to properly validate memory references after deallocation, resulting in a use-after-free scenario. This condition allows an attacker to manipulate freed memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The flaw operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal user-space security mechanisms and operates with the highest privilege level available to the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to device security as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring user interaction, meaning any application running on the device can potentially exploit this flaw. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it does not require physical access or user consent, making it suitable for automated exploitation in targeted attacks. The vulnerability affects the core multimedia subsystem and could potentially impact device stability, data integrity, and overall system security posture. Organizations relying on Android devices for sensitive operations face increased risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2021-0629 requires immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch identified by patch ID ALPS05776625 and issue ID ALPS05776625. System administrators should prioritize patching across all affected Android devices, particularly those in enterprise environments where sensitive data processing occurs. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider network segmentation to limit the impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in memory management, and represents a common attack pattern documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar memory corruption issues within the broader system architecture.