CVE-2021-39638 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-39638, an elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Android kernel that could lead to local privilege escalation without user interaction. Find mitigation steps and patching recommendations here.
This CVE-2021-39638 article provides an overview of a possible out-of-bounds write vulnerability affecting Android kernel.
Understanding CVE-2021-39638
This section delves into the details of the identified vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-39638?
CVE-2021-39638 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability discovered in the lwis_periodic_io.c file's periodic_io_work_func in Android kernel. It could potentially lead to local escalation of privilege, requiring System execution privileges without the need for user interaction.
The Impact of CVE-2021-39638
The vulnerability could allow attackers to execute code with elevated privileges, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-39638
Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-39638 in this section.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability exists due to a use after free issue in the periodic_io_work_func of lwis_periodic_io.c, leading to a possible out-of-bounds write.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Android
- Versions Affected: Android kernel
Exploitation Mechanism
The exploit does not require user interaction to trigger, making it easier for malicious actors to abuse the vulnerability.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-39638.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the latest security patches provided by Google Android.
- Monitor vendor announcements for relevant updates.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update the Android kernel to address security vulnerabilities.
- Implement strict access control measures to limit privilege escalation opportunities.
Patching and Updates
Stay vigilant for security bulletins and promptly apply patches to safeguard against potential exploits.