CVE-2021-0561 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Android 11 is impacted by CVE-2021-0561, a vulnerability that exists in the

append_to_verify_fifo_interleaved_

function of

stream_encoder.c

. The issue arises from a missing bounds check, potentially leading to an out-of-bounds write scenario. This could allow an attacker to disclose local information without requiring additional privileges or user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2021-0561

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2021-0561, shedding light on its implications and affected areas.

What is CVE-2021-0561?

The vulnerability in

stream_encoder.c

poses an out-of-bounds write risk due to the absence of proper boundary verification. Exploitation could result in the unauthorized disclosure of local information, even without elevated privileges or user intervention.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0561

The vulnerability could be exploited by a threat actor to leak sensitive data stored locally on an Android 11 device. This information disclosure may occur without the need for any additional execution permissions or user involvement.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0561

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in

stream_encoder.c

presents an opportunity for an attacker to perform an out-of-bounds write. By exploiting this issue, an adversary could access local information without requiring extra permissions or user interaction.

Affected Systems and Versions

Android 11 is the primary version affected by CVE-2021-0561. Users of this particular Android iteration should be wary of potential exploits leveraging this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The missing bounds check in the

append_to_verify_fifo_interleaved_

method enables attackers to write data beyond the allocated memory space, leading to information disclosure. This could be achieved without the need for elevated privileges or user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the steps necessary to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-0561 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches promptly and ensure their Android 11 devices are updated with the latest fixes. Timely updates can help close the vulnerability and protect against potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as regular system updates, security software installations, and vigilant browsing habits, can bolster the overall security posture of Android devices.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for system updates, especially those addressing security vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-0561, is crucial. Users should actively monitor patch releases from Google and apply them as soon as they become available.