Multiple Vulnerabilities in Google Android OS Could Allow for Remote Code Execution

ITS ADVISORY NUMBER:

2021-141

DATE(S) ISSUED:

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

SUBJECT:

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Google Android OS Could Allow for Remote Code Execution

OVERVIEW:

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in the Google Android operating system (OS), the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution. Android is an operating system developed by Google for mobile devices, including, but not limited to, smartphones, tablets, and watches. Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for remote code execution within the context of a privileged process. Depending on the privileges associated with this application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. If this application has been configured to have fewer user rights on the system, exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could have less impact than if it was configured with administrative rights.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE:

There are indications that CVE-2021-1048 may be under limited, targeted exploitation.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

Android OS builds utilizing Security Patch Levels issued prior to November 6, 2021.

RISK:

Government:

Large and medium government entities: High

Small government entities: High

Business:

Large and medium business entities: High

Small business entities: High

Home Users: Low

DESCRIPTION:

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Google Android OS, the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution within the context of a privileged process. Details of these vulnerabilities are as follows:

Multiple vulnerabilities in Framework that could enable a local attacker to gain access to additional permissions with no user interaction required. (CVE-2021-0799, CVE-2021-0921, CVE-2021-0923, CVE-2021-0926, CVE-2021-0933, CVE-2020-13871, CVE-2021-0653, CVE-2021-0922)
A vulnerability in Media Framework that could enable a local malicious application to bypass user interaction requirements in order to gain access to additional permissions. (CVE-2021-0928, CVE-2021-0650)
Multiple vulnerabilities in System could enable a remote attacker using a specially crafted transmission to execute arbitrary code within the context of a privileged process. (CVE-2021-0918, CVE-2021-0930, CVE-2021-0434, CVE-2021-0649, CVE-2021-0932, CVE-2021-0925, CVE-2021-0931, CVE-2021-0919)
Multiple vulnerabilities in Project Mainline components. (CVE-2021-0653, CVE-2021-0650, CVE-2021-0649)
Multiple vulnerabilities in Kernel components that could result in local escalation of privilege due to a use after free. (CVE-2021-0920, CVE-2021-0924, CVE-2021-0929, CVE-2021-1048)
Multiple vulnerabilities in Android TV that could enable a proximate attacker to silently pair with a TV and execute arbitrary code with no privileges or user interaction required. (CVE-2021-0889, CVE-2021-0927)
A high severity vulnerability in MediaTek components. (CVE-2021-0672)
Multiple critical severity vulnerabilities in Qualcomm closed-source components. (CVE-2021-1924, CVE-2021-1975)
Multiple high severity vulnerabilities in Qualcomm closed-source components. (CVE-2021-1921, CVE-2021-1973, CVE-2021-1979, CVE-2021-1981, CVE-2021-1982, CVE-2021-30254, CVE-2021-30255, CVE-2021-30259, CVE-2021-30284)

Successful exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow for remote code execution within the context of a privileged process. Depending on the privileges associated with this application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. If this application has been configured to have fewer user rights on the system, exploitation of the most severe of these vulnerabilities could have less impact than if it was configured with administrative rights.

ACTIONS:

After appropriate testing, immediately apply updates by Google Android or mobile carriers to vulnerable systems.
Remind users to only download applications from trusted vendors in the Play Store.
Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources.
Inform and educate users regarding threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments, especially from un-trusted sources.

REFERENCES:

Google Android:
https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2021-11-01#2021-11-06-secur...

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Google Android OS Could Allow for Remote Code Execution

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