CVE-2021-0547 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A security vulnerability labeled CVE-2021-0547 has been identified in Android 11, specifically in the onReceive function of NetInitiatedActivity.java. This flaw could allow an attacker to manipulate GPS hardware components, potentially leading to an elevation of privileges without the need for user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2021-0547

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2021-0547 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-0547?

The CVE-2021-0547 vulnerability exists in the NetInitiatedActivity.java code of Android 11, where an attacker can provide a controlled value to a GPS HAL handler without appropriate permission validation. This oversight may enable the attacker to escalate privileges locally, resulting in unpredictable behavior in certain HAL implementations.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0547

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential local escalation of privileges on affected Android 11 devices. Exploitation of this issue does not necessitate user interaction, heightening the risk of unauthorized privilege elevation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0547

This section explores the technical aspects of CVE-2021-0547.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a missing permission check in the onReceive function of NetInitiatedActivity.java, enabling attackers to control values sent to the GPS HAL handler.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Android, specifically version Android-11.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability allows attackers to locally escalate privileges without requiring any additional execution privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the affected device.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn about the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-0547.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply relevant security patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Implementing least privilege access controls can help restrict unauthorized actions.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance long-term security, it is recommended to regularly update devices with the latest security patches and follow security best practices to minimize the impact of potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Android devices running version Android-11 receive timely security updates from Google to address the CVE-2021-0547 vulnerability.