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

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.

There are currently no reports of these vulnerabilities being exploited in the wild.

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, the most severe of which could enable a local malicious application to bypass user interaction requirements in order to gain access to additional permissions. (CVE-2021-39630, CVE-2021-39632, CVE-2020-0338, CVE-2021-0934)
• A vulnerability in Media Framework that could lead to remote escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges or user interaction needed. (CVE-2021-39623)
• Multiple vulnerabilities in System, the most severe of which could enable a local privileged attacker to install existing packages without requiring user consent. (CVE-2021-39618, CVE-2021-39620, CVE-2021-39621, CVE-2021-39622, CVE-2021-39625, CVE-2021-39626, CVE-2021-39627, CVE-2021-39629, CVE-2021-0643, CVE-2021-39628, CVE-2021-39659)
• A vulnerability in Android Runtime that could enable a local attacker to bypass memory restrictions in order to gain access to additional permissions. (CVE-2021-0959)
• Multiple vulnerabilities in Kernel components, the most severe of which could lead to a local escalation of privilege due to a race condition, with no additional execution privileges or user interaction needed. (CVE-2020-29368, CVE-2021-39634, CVE-2021-39633)
• Multiple vulnerabilities in MediaTek components. (CVE-2021-31345, CVE-2021-31346, CVE-2021-31890, CVE-2021-40148, CVE-2021-31889)
• A vulnerability in Unisoc components. (CVE-2021-1049)
• Multiple high severity vulnerabilities in Qualcomm components. (CVE-2021-30319, CVE-2021-30353)
• Multiple high and critical severity vulnerabilities in Qualcomm closed-source components. (CVE-2021-30285, CVE-2021-30287, CVE-2021-30300, CVE-2021-30301, CVE-2021-30307, CVE-2021-30308, CVE-2021-30311)

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.

We recommend the following actions be taken:

• Apply appropriate updates by Google Android or mobile carriers to vulnerable systems, immediately after appropriate testing.
• 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.