CVE-2021-39716 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2022
Product: AndroidVersions: Android kernelAndroid ID: A-206977562References: N/A
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-39716 represents a critical security flaw within the Android kernel that affects devices running Android versions prior to the patched release. This issue resides in the kernel's handling of certain memory management operations and specifically impacts the kernel's ability to properly validate and process memory allocations. The vulnerability was tracked under Android ID A-206977562 and demonstrates a significant weakness in the kernel's memory subsystem that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical flaw manifests in the kernel's memory management subsystem where improper validation occurs during the processing of certain memory allocation requests. This vulnerability allows for potential memory corruption that could be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The issue stems from insufficient bounds checking and validation mechanisms within the kernel's memory handling routines, creating an exploitable condition that bypasses standard security controls. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to escalate privileges from user-level processes to kernel-level operations, effectively compromising the entire system.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-39716 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it creates a persistent threat vector that could be used for data exfiltration, system compromise, and long-term persistence within affected Android devices. Devices running vulnerable Android versions become susceptible to attacks that could result in complete system takeover, allowing adversaries to install malware, access sensitive data, or maintain covert control over the affected devices. This vulnerability particularly affects mobile devices where the kernel's memory management is critical for maintaining system integrity and user data protection. The implications are severe as it undermines the fundamental security model of Android devices and could potentially affect millions of users globally.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of the official Android security patches released by Google and device manufacturers. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected devices receive updates promptly. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious network activity, implementing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement, and conducting thorough security assessments of affected systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation. Security teams should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions to detect anomalous kernel activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should prioritize rapid patch distribution and user education to ensure complete remediation across all affected platforms.