CVE-2021-0952 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2021
In doCropPhoto of PhotoSelectionHandler.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to a confused deputy. This could lead to local information disclosure of user's contacts with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-9Android ID: A-195748381
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0952 resides within the Android operating system's photo selection handling mechanism, specifically in the doCropPhoto method of the PhotoSelectionHandler.java component. This flaw represents a confused deputy problem that allows unauthorized access to sensitive user data through improper permission handling. The vulnerability affects multiple Android versions including Android 9, 10, 11, and 12, indicating a widespread impact across the Android ecosystem. The issue stems from how the system handles cross-process communication and permission validation during photo cropping operations, creating a scenario where a malicious application can potentially bypass normal access controls to obtain contact information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a confused deputy scenario where the system incorrectly delegates authority from one process to another without proper validation of the requesting entity's permissions. When users interact with the photo selection functionality and attempt to crop images, the system fails to properly verify that the requesting application has legitimate authorization to access the user's contact data. This confusion arises from improper handling of inter-process communication where the system trusts the delegated authority without sufficient verification of the calling process's privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the PhotoSelectionHandler component which manages various photo manipulation functions including cropping operations that should require explicit user consent and proper permission validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables local information disclosure without requiring any additional execution privileges or root access from the attacker. An attacker can exploit this weakness through user interaction, meaning that simply convincing a user to perform a specific photo cropping operation could result in unauthorized access to their contact information. The implications extend beyond simple data theft as contact information can be used for social engineering attacks, identity theft, or as a stepping stone for further exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects user privacy and data protection mechanisms within the Android platform, undermining the fundamental security model that separates application permissions and user data access.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a classic example of how insufficient permission validation can lead to privilege escalation or unauthorized data access. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation and credential access techniques where adversaries can leverage confused deputy scenarios to bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper inter-process communication security and the need for robust permission validation mechanisms within mobile operating systems. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately as it represents a persistent threat to user privacy and data security. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper permission checking mechanisms, strengthening inter-process communication validation, and ensuring that all delegated authority is properly authenticated and authorized before granting access to sensitive user data.