CVE-2021-0965 : What You Need to Know

Android devices running Android-10, Android-11, Android-12, and Android-9 are impacted by a vulnerability in the AndroidManifest.xml of Settings that allows unauthorized pairing of Bluetooth devices without user consent. This could result in a local escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2021-0965

This CVE identifies a security issue in the Bluetooth pairing process on Android devices that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain elevated privileges.

What is CVE-2021-0965?

The vulnerability in AndroidManifest.xml of Settings allows for Bluetooth device pairing without user consent, leading to a local privilege escalation. The exploit does not require user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0965

The absence of a permission check in the Bluetooth pairing process could be exploited by threat actors to gain escalated access without the need for user authorization, posing a significant security risk to affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0965

The following provides detailed technical insights into CVE-2021-0965:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a missing permission check in AndroidManifest.xml of Settings, enabling unauthorized Bluetooth device pairing and potential local privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Android devices running Android-10, Android-11, Android-12, and Android-9 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this flaw to pair Bluetooth devices without user consent, potentially leading to a local escalation of privilege on affected devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-0965, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Regularly monitor for security updates from Android for patches addressing this vulnerability.
Avoid untrusted Bluetooth connections on vulnerable devices to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict permission checks in critical system files to prevent unauthorized access.
Educate users about the risks of accepting unknown Bluetooth pairing requests.

Patching and Updates

Stay proactive with system updates and security patches provided by Android to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-0965 and enhance the overall security posture of Android devices.