CVE-2021-39650 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2021
In (TBD) of (TBD), there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-169763055References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-39650 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Android kernel component that poses significant security risks to mobile device ecosystems. This issue manifests as a missing bounds check during memory operations, creating an exploitable condition that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects Android kernel implementations and has been assigned Android ID A-169763055, indicating its classification within the Android security tracking system. The absence of proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms in the affected kernel components creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory structures beyond their intended limits.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-787 category of Out-of-Bounds Write, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security. This flaw operates at the kernel level where memory management operations occur, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to gain system-level privileges. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires only system execution privileges, meaning that an attacker who already has some level of access to the device could potentially escalate their privileges to full system control. The lack of user interaction requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be triggered automatically without any direct user involvement or consent.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe threat to Android device security and could enable attackers to perform local privilege escalation attacks that would allow them to gain root access to affected devices. The implications extend beyond individual device compromise as this flaw could potentially be weaponized in mass exploitation campaigns targeting vulnerable Android implementations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install persistent backdoors, access sensitive user data, modify system files, or establish covert communication channels. The impact on device integrity and user privacy is substantial, as successful exploitation would provide attackers with complete control over the affected Android devices.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-39650 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the kernel code and applying timely security patches from device manufacturers. Organizations should prioritize updating their Android implementations to versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability, as the Android security team would have released patches addressing the specific out-of-bounds write condition. System administrators and security teams should monitor for security advisories related to Android kernel updates and ensure that devices are maintained with the latest security patches. Additionally, runtime monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the exploitation of legitimate system privileges to gain higher-level access, making it particularly relevant for threat hunting and incident response activities. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to further mitigate the risk of exploitation.