CVE-2021-1013 : Security Advisory and Response

Android has been found to have a vulnerability in the 'PermissionManagerService.java' code that allows an attacker to determine if an app is installed, leading to local information disclosure without requiring additional execution privileges.

Understanding CVE-2021-1013

This CVE relates to an information disclosure vulnerability in Android affecting version 12.

What is CVE-2021-1013?

The vulnerability, assigned CVE-2021-1013, exists in the

checkExistsAndEnforceCannotModifyImmutablyRestrictedPermission

function of

PermissionManagerService.java

. It allows an attacker to identify installed apps without requiring the necessary query permissions, potentially leading to local information disclosure.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1013

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker accessing sensitive information without the need for user interaction, posing a risk of local information disclosure.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1013

This section provides further technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in

PermissionManagerService.java

allows an attacker to learn about installed apps without the required permissions, leading to potential local information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Android version 12 is affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The flaw enables attackers to determine app installations without the necessary query permissions, creating an avenue for local information disclosure.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-1013, follow the recommendations below.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches provided by Android to mitigate the risk of information disclosure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain updated software and implement security best practices to enhance resilience against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for and apply security updates from Android to protect against known vulnerabilities.