External risk intelligence

Android Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-39793

A logic error in Android's kernel memory management could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges. This impacts affected systems by enabling unauthorized access and modification of data. Business risk is present due to the potential for compromise of system integrity.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Google Android

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-39793

This vulnerability resides within the Android kernel memory management component. It requires local access to the device to exploit, is not exposed to the public internet, and is not a network-reachable service.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Android kernel's memory management component contains a logic error that allows for an out-of-bounds write. This flaw could permit an attacker to escalate privileges on a local system without needing additional execution permissions. Exploitation does not require user interaction.

  • Vulnerable kernel memory management
  • Logic error allows out-of-bounds write
  • Local privilege escalation

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A logic error in the code allows for an out-of-bounds write, potentially leading to privilege escalation. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker with local access to the affected system. No user interaction is necessary for the exploit to occur.

  • Local access is required for exposure.
  • Attacker triggers a logic error.
  • Result is privilege escalation.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a local privilege escalation risk within the Android kernel's memory management. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and modification of system data, significantly impacting affected systems. The ease of exploitation and potential for extensive damage suggest a need for prompt attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Local access to the system
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability presents a local privilege escalation risk within the Android operating system, allowing an attacker with prior local access to potentially gain higher-level permissions. The issue stems from an out-of-bounds write error in the memory management code, which does not require user interaction to exploit. Organizations should prioritize identifying affected systems, mitigating potential exposure, applying the vendor-provided solution, verifying its implementation, and monitoring for related activities.

  • Identify all Android devices.
  • Isolate or restrict access to affected devices.
  • Apply vendor updates and confirm.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Android kernel and what is it used for in CVE-2021-39793?

The Android kernel is the core of the Android operating system, managing hardware resources and enabling software to interact with that hardware. In CVE-2021-39793, a vulnerability exists within the kernel's memory management component, which is responsible for allocating and deallocating memory for applications and system processes.

How does the logic error in CVE-2021-39793 lead to privilege escalation?

The vulnerability CVE-2021-39793 is classified as an out-of-bounds write, a type of weakness where software writes data beyond the intended memory buffer. This logic error in the Android kernel's memory management can be exploited by an attacker to overwrite critical system data, allowing them to gain higher privileges than they should have.

What are the conditions needed to exploit CVE-2021-39793?

Exploiting CVE-2021-39793 does not require user interaction, meaning a user doesn't need to click a link or open a file. However, an attacker must already have local access to the affected Android device to trigger the vulnerability.

Who should be concerned about CVE-2021-39793 based on its exposure?

Anyone managing Android devices should be concerned. Halo Surface Signal classifies this vulnerability as 'internal,' meaning it requires local access and is not directly exposed to the public internet, but it can still impact devices within an organization's network.

What are the first steps to address CVE-2021-39793 on Android devices?

The initial steps involve identifying all Android devices that might be affected. After identification, restricting access to these devices and applying any available vendor updates are crucial actions to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.

References