CVE-2021-1029:Out of bounds write vulnerability in Android's SurfaceFlinger component due to use-after-free issue, allowing local privilege escalation.

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Description Preview

CVE-2021-1029 affects the SurfaceFlinger component in Android 12. The vulnerability exists in the setClientStateLocked function of SurfaceFlinger.cpp where a use-after-free condition can lead to an out-of-bounds write operation. This vulnerability can be exploited locally without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges on affected devices.

Overview

This vulnerability (CVE-2021-1029) is a critical security flaw in Android 12's SurfaceFlinger component, which is responsible for compositing application surfaces onto the display. The issue occurs in the setClientStateLocked function where improper memory management leads to a use-after-free condition, subsequently causing an out-of-bounds write. This vulnerability is classified under both CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) and CWE-416 (Use After Free). The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local attackers to potentially gain elevated privileges on the system without requiring user interaction or additional execution privileges.

Remediation

Users should update their Android devices to the latest available security patch level that addresses this vulnerability. Google released fixes for this issue in the December 2021 Android Security Bulletin for Pixel devices. Device manufacturers who use affected Android versions should apply the security patches provided by Google. Users should:

  1. Check their current Android version and security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version
  2. Ensure automatic updates are enabled
  3. Apply any pending system updates
  4. If updates are not available and your device is affected, consider limiting the installation of untrusted applications

References

  1. Android Security Bulletin (Pixel): https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2021-12-01
  2. Android ID: A-193034677
  3. CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/787.html
  4. CWE-416: Use After Free - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/416.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

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  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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