CVE-2021-0986 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2021
In hasGrantedPolicy of DevicePolicyManagerService.java, there is a possible information disclosure about the device owner, profile owner, or device admin due to a logic error in the code. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-12Android ID: A-192247339
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0986 resides within the DevicePolicyManagerService.java component of Android operating systems through version 12, specifically affecting the hasGrantedPolicy method implementation. This flaw represents a logic error that inadvertently exposes sensitive information regarding device ownership configurations including device owners, profile owners, and device administrators. The vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically mapping to CWE-200 which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information. The issue manifests as a privilege escalation path where unauthorized local access can potentially reveal administrative configurations that should remain protected within the system's security boundaries.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the hasGrantedPolicy method where the code logic fails to properly validate or restrict access to device ownership information. This logic error creates an information disclosure channel that allows local processes to obtain details about the device's administrative configuration without requiring any additional privileges or execution capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the local security context, meaning that any application or process running on the device with basic user permissions can exploit this flaw. The lack of requirement for user interaction or additional execution privileges significantly increases the exploitability factor, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1087.1.1 which involves discovering accounts through local system information gathering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it potentially enables attackers to understand the device's security posture and administrative structure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain insights into which applications have administrative privileges, the configuration of device owner policies, and the overall security framework of the device. This information could serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks targeting device management features, potentially enabling privilege escalation to full administrative control. The vulnerability affects all Android 12 devices and represents a significant weakness in the platform's device policy management service, which is critical for enterprise security and device management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-0986 should prioritize immediate system updates from Google to address the underlying logic error in the DevicePolicyManagerService. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that monitor for unauthorized applications with administrative privileges and conduct regular security audits to identify potential exploitation attempts. The Android security model relies heavily on proper device policy enforcement, and this vulnerability undermines the integrity of that framework. Security professionals should also consider implementing network-based monitoring solutions to detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, device administrators should review and restrict unnecessary administrative permissions granted to applications, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain full control over device management functions. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure issue means that traditional network-based security measures may not prevent exploitation, requiring more granular local security controls and application whitelisting approaches.