CVE-2021-0391 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Android operating system is vulnerable to CVE-2021-0391 due to a user interaction flaw in the ChooseTypeAndAccountActivity.java file. The vulnerability could allow local privilege escalation without the need for user permissions.

Understanding CVE-2021-0391

This security vulnerability, categorized under 'Elevation of privilege,' affects multiple versions of the Android operating system.

What is CVE-2021-0391?

The vulnerability in the onCreate() function of ChooseTypeAndAccountActivity.java exposes a method for an attacker to ascertain the existence of an account, leading to potential privilege escalation on the local system without requiring user permissions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0391

If exploited, an attacker could execute a tapjacking/overlay attack that results in a local escalation of privilege within the Android environment, posing a significant security risk to user data and system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0391

The technical details of this CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

The onCreate() function in ChooseTypeAndAccountActivity.java provides a way to determine the existence of an account without proper permissions, enabling an attacker to exploit the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected versions of Android include Android-11, Android-8.1, Android-9, and Android-10, making a wide range of users susceptible to this security threat.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, which could be manipulated through tapjacking or overlay techniques, allowing an attacker to escalate privileges locally.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-0391, users and administrators should take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches from the official Android Security Bulletin to address the vulnerability promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enhance overall system security by practicing caution while granting permissions and interacting with unknown applications.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update the Android operating system to the latest versions to ensure the latest security patches are in place.