CVE-2021-0586 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Android devices running Android-11, Android-8.1, Android-9, and Android-10 are impacted by a vulnerability that allows malicious actors to perform tapjacking/overlay attacks in the DevicePickerFragment.java onCreate method. This can result in a local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2021-0586

This CVE ID refers to a security vulnerability discovered in Android devices that can lead to an elevation of privilege attack through tapjacking/overlay techniques.

What is CVE-2021-0586?

The CVE-2021-0586 vulnerability exists in the onCreate method of DevicePickerFragment.java in Android devices. It enables threat actors to manipulate user interactions to trick them into selecting unintended Bluetooth devices, potentially leading to a local privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0586

The exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges on the targeted Android device without the need for additional execution capabilities. Successful exploitation requires user interaction to select a Bluetooth device, making it a critical security concern.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0586

This section provides a deeper insight into the specifics of the CVE-2021-0586 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a flaw in the DevicePickerFragment.java onCreate method, allowing threat actors to carry out tapjacking/overlay attacks and trick users into choosing unintended Bluetooth devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Android devices running Android-11, Android-8.1, Android-9, and Android-10 are affected by CVE-2021-0586, making a considerable number of devices vulnerable to this privilege escalation attack.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2021-0586 relies on manipulating user interactions during the selection of Bluetooth devices, facilitating a local escalation of privilege on the target device.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard Android devices from CVE-2021-0586 and similar vulnerabilities, certain security measures can be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should exercise caution when interacting with Bluetooth device pickers on Android devices to mitigate the risk of falling victim to tapjacking attacks. Regularly updating devices is crucial to receiving security patches that address such vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong security practices, such as avoiding the installation of unverified apps and staying informed about security bulletins, can enhance the overall security posture of Android devices.

Patching and Updates

It is recommended to promptly apply security patches released by Google for Android devices to address CVE-2021-0586 and other known security vulnerabilities on affected versions.