CVE-2021-0645 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been identified in Android 11 that could allow local escalation of privilege, potentially leading to unauthorized access to private app directories on external storage.

Understanding CVE-2021-0645

This CVE refers to a permissions bypass issue in the ExternalStorageProvider.java file, impacting Android 11 devices.

What is CVE-2021-0645?

The vulnerability lies in the shouldBlockFromTree function, enabling an app to bypass permissions and gain elevated privileges to read restricted directories.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0645

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to private app directories stored in external storage on Android 11 devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0645

The following technical aspects are associated with CVE-2021-0645:

Vulnerability Description

The issue allows for a local elevation of privilege, requiring user interaction for successful exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Android Versions Affected: Android-11

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to read private app directories in external storage without additional execution privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure systems against CVE-2021-0645, consider the following:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Android to address this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update systems to integrate the latest security patches and enhancements.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply recommended patches to mitigate risks associated with CVE-2021-0645.