CVE-2021-25410 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
Improper access control of a component in CallBGProvider prior to SMR JUN-2021 Release 1 allows local attackers to access arbitrary files with an escalated privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25410 represents a critical access control flaw within the CallBGProvider component of Android systems prior to the SMR JUN-2021 security release. This issue affects the fundamental security architecture of affected devices by permitting unauthorized local access to sensitive system resources through privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability exists within the Android operating system's component framework where proper authorization checks are inadequately implemented, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries. The affected CallBGProvider component is responsible for handling background call-related operations and maintains access to various system resources that should normally be restricted to authorized processes only.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from insufficient validation of access permissions within the component's security model. When local attackers execute malicious code or exploit existing system vulnerabilities, they can leverage this weakness to gain elevated privileges that allow them to read arbitrary files from the system. The vulnerability specifically targets the privilege escalation mechanism that should prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and system components. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, which encompasses improper access control implementations that allow unauthorized users to access resources they should not be permitted to access. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires local system access, making it a local privilege escalation issue that can be particularly dangerous in environments where physical access to devices is possible.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-25410 extends beyond simple unauthorized data access, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate their privileges and potentially access sensitive system information, user data, and confidential communications. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to access personal information, communication records, and other sensitive data that should normally be protected by the system's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability affects devices running Android versions prior to the June 2021 security patch, leaving millions of devices exposed to potential exploitation. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems and could potentially serve as a stepping stone for further exploitation. The impact is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability allows for arbitrary file access, which could include system configuration files, user credentials, and other sensitive data repositories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on applying the June 2021 Android Security Bulletin patches that address the access control flaw in the CallBGProvider component. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these security updates across all affected devices to prevent exploitation. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring for unusual file access patterns and privilege escalation attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and the need for comprehensive security testing of system components. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other potential access control weaknesses in their Android environments and ensure that proper privilege separation is maintained throughout the system architecture. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation and T1074 for data staging, highlighting the need for layered security approaches that include proper access control enforcement and continuous monitoring of system activities.
The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of delayed patch deployment. Organizations should establish robust patch management processes that prioritize security updates and ensure timely deployment across all managed devices. The flaw also underscores the necessity of implementing proper security controls at multiple layers of the system architecture to prevent privilege escalation attacks from compromising system integrity. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue emphasizes the need for proper system hardening measures and the implementation of least privilege principles across all system components to minimize potential impact from such flaws.