CVE-2021-0571 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security vulnerability labeled CVE-2021-0571 has been identified in Android-11 that allows for elevation of privilege without the need for user interaction. This issue stems from a permissions bypass in specific areas of the ActivityTaskManagerService and AppTaskImpl classes. Here is a detailed overview of the CVE-2021-0571 vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2021-0571

This section delves into the nature of the CVE-2021-0571 vulnerability and its implications.

What is CVE-2021-0571?

The CVE-2021-0571 vulnerability arises in the ActivityTaskManagerService.startActivity() and AppTaskImpl.startActivity() of ActivityTaskManagerService.java and AppTaskImpl.java in Android-11. It enables unauthorized access to restricted activities due to a permissions bypass, leading to local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0571

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for a local attacker to gain elevated privileges, which could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information or capabilities on the affected Android-11 devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0571

This section provides technical insights into the CVE-2021-0571 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for a permissions bypass in specific methods of the ActivityTaskManagerService and AppTaskImpl classes, providing unauthorized access to restricted activities.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2021-0571 vulnerability affects devices running Android-11, specifically in the ActivityTaskManagerService.startActivity() and AppTaskImpl.startActivity() methods.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability does not require user interaction. A local attacker can leverage the permissions bypass to escalate privileges without additional execution rights.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-0571, immediate steps should be taken along with adopting long-term security practices and timely patching.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implementing security updates and patches provided by the vendor is crucial to address this vulnerability promptly on Android-11 devices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforcing the principle of least privilege, regularly updating system components, and fostering a security-conscious culture are essential for mitigating similar security risks in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and keeping devices updated with the latest software releases from official sources is vital to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-0571.