CVE-2021-39627 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Android has a vulnerability in sendLegacyVoicemailNotification, allowing a permissions bypass, potentially leading to privilege escalation without user interaction.

Understanding CVE-2021-39627

This CVE pertains to a potential elevation of privilege issue in Android devices due to unsafe PendingIntent usage.

What is CVE-2021-39627?

In the LegacyModeSmsHandler.java file of Android, a vulnerability exists that could allow an attacker to bypass permissions, leading to local escalation of privilege without the need for user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2021-39627

The vulnerability could be exploited to achieve local escalation of privilege on affected Android devices without requiring any user participation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39627

This section covers specific technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in sendLegacyVoicemailNotification of LegacyModeSmsHandler.java, where the unsafe PendingIntent usage allows for a permissions bypass, potentially leading to privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Android
Versions: Android-10, Android-11, Android-12, Android-9

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker without any user interaction, potentially escalating their privileges locally on the device.

Mitigation and Prevention

Strategies to address and mitigate the CVE.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Monitor official Android security bulletins for updates and advisories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Android devices to the latest firmware versions.
Implement security best practices to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive permissions.

Patching and Updates

Ensure to install security patches released by Android to address the vulnerability.