CVE-2021-1041 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2021
In (TBD) of (TBD), there is a possible out of bounds read due to memory corruption. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-182950799References: N/A
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1041 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the Android kernel component, specifically affecting the memory management subsystem. This flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that occurs during normal kernel operations, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability exists within the kernel's memory handling mechanisms, where improper bounds checking allows for read operations beyond allocated memory boundaries. Such conditions typically arise from insufficient validation of memory access parameters or flawed pointer arithmetic operations within kernel space code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with a classic buffer overread scenario, where kernel code attempts to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can be triggered through normal system operations without requiring any special privileges or user interaction, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective. The out-of-bounds read allows attackers to potentially extract sensitive kernel memory contents, including but not limited to stack contents, heap data, or other kernel structures that may contain confidential information. The absence of requirement for additional execution privileges indicates that this vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate system calls or kernel interfaces.
From an operational impact standpoint, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for Android devices as it enables local information disclosure without the need for escalated privileges or user interaction. The exploited condition could potentially reveal kernel memory contents that might include cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The attack vector remains relatively simple since it requires no special user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices may be exposed to untrusted users or processes. The vulnerability's classification as a local information disclosure means that an attacker with access to the device could potentially extract information that would otherwise remain protected within kernel memory spaces.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple information disclosure, as kernel memory contents often contain data that could be valuable for further exploitation attempts. Attackers could potentially use the leaked information to bypass security mechanisms, understand kernel internals, or craft more sophisticated attacks against the system. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in scenarios where devices might be left unattended or where untrusted users have physical access to the system. This type of vulnerability is typically classified under CWE-129 as "Improper Validation of Array Index" or CWE-131 as "Incorrect Calculation of Buffer Size," both of which are fundamental issues in memory safety. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell, as it enables information gathering that could lead to privilege escalation or other advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-1041 should focus on implementing comprehensive memory bounds checking mechanisms within kernel code and ensuring proper validation of all memory access operations. Android security patches addressing this vulnerability would typically include enhanced bounds checking, memory validation routines, and potentially stack canary implementations to detect and prevent the out-of-bounds read conditions. Device manufacturers should prioritize immediate deployment of security updates that address the kernel memory management flaws, particularly focusing on the specific memory handling routines that trigger the vulnerability. System administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and ensure that all kernel components are properly updated. The vulnerability underscores the importance of rigorous code review processes and formal verification techniques for kernel space code, particularly in areas involving memory management and buffer handling operations. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar memory safety issues that could potentially lead to more severe exploitation scenarios.