CVE-2021-0316 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Android devices are susceptible to a critical vulnerability that could allow remote code execution without the need for user interaction. This CVE, assigned Google's android security team, affects various versions of Android operating systems.

Understanding CVE-2021-0316

This CVE pertains to the avrc_pars_vendor_cmd function in avrc_pars_tg.cc, where an out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists due to the absence of proper bounds checking. The exploitation of this flaw could potentially lead to remote code execution over Bluetooth.

What is CVE-2021-0316?

The CVE-2021-0316 vulnerability in Android's avrc_pars_vendor_cmd function allows attackers to trigger remote code execution through malicious Bluetooth commands, posing a serious security threat to Android devices.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0316

The impact of CVE-2021-0316 is severe, as threat actors can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring any additional user permissions. This could lead to a complete compromise of affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0316

This section elaborates on the specifics of the vulnerability, including the affected systems, exploitation mechanisms, and potential risks associated with CVE-2021-0316.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a missing bounds check in the avrc_pars_vendor_cmd function, allowing an out-of-bounds write that could be leveraged for remote code execution over Bluetooth.

Affected Systems and Versions

CVE-2021-0316 impacts multiple versions of the Android operating system, including Android-11, Android-8.0, Android-8.1, Android-9, and Android-10, leaving a wide range of devices vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending specially crafted Bluetooth commands, threat actors can trigger the out-of-bounds write vulnerability in avrc_pars_vendor_cmd, enabling them to execute malicious code remotely on affected Android devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting devices from CVE-2021-0316 requires immediate actions and proactive security measures to mitigate the risks posed by this critical vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Android devices to the latest secure versions provided by Google to patch the CVE-2021-0316 vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing good security hygiene, such as avoiding connecting to untrusted Bluetooth devices and staying vigilant for unusual device behavior, can help mitigate future risks of similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly installing security updates and patches released by Google for the Android operating system is essential to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-0316 and enhance the overall security posture of Android devices.