CVE-2021-1011 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2021
In setPackageStoppedState of PackageManagerService.java, there is a missing permission check. 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-188219307
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1011 resides within the Android operating system's PackageManagerService component, specifically in the setPackageStoppedState method implementation. This flaw represents a critical permission bypass issue that allows unauthorized access to sensitive system information without requiring any special privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability affects Android 12 systems and is tracked under Android ID A-188219307, highlighting its significance within the Android security framework. The missing permission check in this core system service creates an exploitable condition that could potentially expose confidential package information to malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper authorization validation within the PackageManagerService.java file. When the setPackageStoppedState method is invoked, it fails to verify whether the calling process possesses the necessary permissions to modify package stopped states. This omission creates a path where any local application or process can potentially access and disclose package information that should be restricted to system-level operations. The flaw operates at the system service level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal permission enforcement mechanisms that typically protect sensitive package management data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues in software systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-1011 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Android's security model. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather detailed information about installed applications, their states, and potentially sensitive metadata that could aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. The lack of requirement for user interaction or additional execution privileges makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for mobile security. The vulnerability could enable adversaries to perform reconnaissance activities that might reveal system configurations, application dependencies, or other sensitive data that could be used to craft more sophisticated attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1069.001 for permission groups and T1082 for system information discovery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from device manufacturers and system administrators. The primary recommendation involves applying the latest security patches provided by Google as part of the Android security updates. Organizations should ensure their Android devices are running the patched versions that address this specific permission bypass issue. Additionally, implementing proper monitoring and alerting mechanisms can help detect unusual access patterns to package management services. System administrators should consider restricting local application capabilities and ensuring that only trusted applications have access to system-level services. The vulnerability's nature suggests that defensive measures should focus on strengthening permission enforcement mechanisms and ensuring that all system services properly validate caller credentials before executing sensitive operations. Regular security audits of system services and proper access control implementations can help prevent similar issues from arising in the future.