CVE-2021-0871 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-0871, a security vulnerability affecting Android SoC devices. Understanding the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps are crucial for ensuring system security.

Understanding CVE-2021-0871

CVE-2021-0871 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability identified in the PVRSRVBridgePMRPDumpSymbolicAddr of the PowerVR kernel driver. The flaw arises from a missing size check, leading to a potential integer overflow. This could result in out-of-bounds heap access and allow local attackers to escalate privileges without additional permissions.

What is CVE-2021-0871?

CVE-2021-0871 is a security vulnerability in Android SoC devices, allowing unauthorized users to gain escalated privileges without the need for user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0871

The impact of CVE-2021-0871 includes the risk of local attackers exploiting the vulnerability to achieve privilege escalation, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0871

The vulnerability in PVRSRVBridgePMRPDumpSymbolicAddr lacks a size check, leading to an integer overflow. Notably affecting Android SoC devices, the issue allows for out-of-bounds heap access, facilitating privilege escalation without additional authorization.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the PowerVR kernel driver could permit local attackers to exploit an integer overflow, enabling unauthorized access to the heap memory and escalating privileges on Android SoC platforms.

Affected Systems and Versions

Android devices running on Android SoC are susceptible to CVE-2021-0871 due to the security vulnerability present in the PVRSRVBridgePMRPDumpSymbolicAddr within the PowerVR kernel driver.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the integer overflow in PVRSRVBridgePMRPDumpSymbolicAddr, threat actors can achieve out-of-bounds heap access, enabling them to elevate privileges locally without requiring additional execution privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-0871 is vital for enhancing system security and protecting Android SoC devices.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2021-0871, users are advised to apply security patches and updates released by Android vendors promptly. Additionally, monitoring system activity for any signs of exploitation is crucial for detecting malicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing comprehensive security measures, including deploying intrusion detection systems, network segmentation, and regular security audits, can enhance the overall resilience of Android SoC devices against potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by Android manufacturers is key to mitigating CVE-2021-0871. Timely installation of patches can address existing vulnerabilities and strengthen the security posture of Android SoC devices.