CVE-2021-1017 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Android 12 is affected by a vulnerability that allows for a potential escalation of privilege through disabling Bluetooth connections without the necessary permission check. This could result in a local privilege escalation without requiring additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2021-1017

This CVE highlights a security flaw in Android 12 that could allow malicious actors to exploit Bluetooth functionalities for privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2021-1017?

The vulnerability in the AdapterService and GattService definitions of AndroidManifest.xml enables attackers to disable Bluetooth connections without the required permission check, leading to a local escalation of privilege. No additional execution privileges are needed, but user interaction is necessary for successful exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1017

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could allow threat actors to escalate their privileges locally on devices running Android 12, potentially leading to further compromise of user data and system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1017

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a missing permission check in the AdapterService and GattService definitions of AndroidManifest.xml, allowing unauthorized parties to disable Bluetooth connections and escalate their privileges locally on Android 12 devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted system is Android 12, specifically the version labeled Android-12.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves manipulating the Bluetooth functionalities through the AdapterService and GattService definitions of AndroidManifest.xml to disable connections without proper permission verification.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-1017, immediate steps can be taken to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security updates promptly to ensure the latest patches are in place, reducing the likelihood of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures and following best practices for device usage can help prevent privilege escalation attacks and enhance overall cybersecurity resilience.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for security updates from the official Android source is crucial to stay protected against known vulnerabilities. Applying patches promptly is essential in safeguarding devices against potential threats.