CVE-2021-0380 : What You Need to Know

Android versions prior to Android-11 are prone to an elevation of privilege vulnerability. The issue exists in the

DcTracker.java

onReceive function, allowing a possible way to trigger a provisioning URL and modify telephony settings without the required permission check. This flaw could result in local escalation of privilege without needing extra execution privileges, posing a security risk during onboarding procedures.

Understanding CVE-2021-0380

This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-0380.

What is CVE-2021-0380?

The CVE-2021-0380 vulnerability in Android phones running versions prior to Android-11 enables threat actors to manipulate telephony settings and provisioning URLs without the necessary permission verification, potentially leading to local privilege escalation scenarios.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0380

The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the onboarding flow on affected Android devices for local escalation of privilege without requiring additional permissions or user interaction, opening avenues to compromise device security and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0380

This section elaborates on the specifics of the vulnerability, including affected systems, exploitation mechanisms, and detailed descriptions.

Vulnerability Description

In the

DcTracker.java

onReceive function of Android versions prior to Android-11, a missing permission check allows threat actors to trigger provisioning URLs and modify telephony settings, facilitating local escalation of privilege without additional execution privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Android devices running versions earlier than Android-11, potentially exposing a wide array of devices to the risk of unauthorized telephony setting modifications and privilege escalation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Threat actors can exploit CVE-2021-0380 during the onboarding flow of affected Android devices, leveraging the absence of permission checks to manipulate telephony settings and provisioning URLs, leading to unauthorized privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines immediate steps to secure affected systems and practices for long-term security enhancement.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Android devices to the latest version to mitigate the CVE-2021-0380 vulnerability and prevent potential privilege escalation attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance device security, users should follow best practices such as regularly updating software, implementing security patches promptly, and exercising caution while installing apps or accessing external resources.

Patching and Updates

Regularly installing official firmware updates and security patches from the device manufacturer is crucial to addressing known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-0380 and safeguarding device integrity against evolving threats.