CVE-2021-0961 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-0961, a vulnerability found in Android kernels that could lead to local information disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2021-0961

This section explores the nature and impact of the CVE-2021-0961 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-0961?

The vulnerability exists in quota_proc_write of xt_quota2.c in Android kernels, allowing unauthorized access to kernel memory, potentially resulting in local information disclosure without the need for user interaction. The exploitation requires System execution privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0961

The impact of this vulnerability includes the risk of local information disclosure with elevated privileges, posing a threat to the confidentiality of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0961

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-0961 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from uninitialized data in quota_proc_write of xt_quota2.c, enabling a method to read kernel memory and leading to potential information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Android kernels, particularly versions of Android kernel.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-0961 involves leveraging the uninitialized data in the quota_proc_write function of the xt_quota2.c file, allowing unauthorized access to kernel memory.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines mitigation strategies and preventive measures for addressing CVE-2021-0961.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply relevant security patches provided by the vendor and stay updated with security bulletins to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as regular security updates, proper configuration management, and access control mechanisms, can enhance the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates released by the Android vendor can help in safeguarding systems against known vulnerabilities and enhancing overall security.