CVE-2021-0336 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Android devices running versions Android-9, Android-10, Android-11, and Android-8.1 are impacted by a vulnerability that allows for a permissions bypass leading to local privilege escalation. The vulnerability exists in BluetoothPermissionRequest.java, potentially granting an attacker the ability to escalate privileges without requiring user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2021-0336

This section outlines the details and impact of the CVE-2021-0336 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-0336?

The CVE-2021-0336 vulnerability originates from a mutable PendingIntent in BluetoothPermissionRequest.java, enabling unauthorized users to bypass permission checks and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0336

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows threat actors to locally escalate privileges without the need for user interaction, posing a severe security risk to affected Android devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0336

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-0336 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability's root cause lies in the mutable PendingIntent within BluetoothPermissionRequest.java, facilitating a permissions bypass that can lead to privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Android devices running Android-9, Android-10, Android-11, and Android-8.1 are affected by CVE-2021-0336, putting these versions at risk of local privilege escalation attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-0336 involves leveraging the mutable PendingIntent to bypass permission checks and execute malicious actions with elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we explore measures to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-0336.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should apply security patches and updates provided by Android device manufacturers promptly to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as regularly updating device firmware and using reputable security software, can enhance the overall security posture of Android devices.

Patching and Updates

Timely installation of security patches and system updates is crucial to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-0336 and protect devices from exploitation.