CVE-2021-0441
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation on Android 11 devices through a confusing UI element in permission dialogs. Attackers can trick users into granting unintended permissions, potentially gaining elevated access to device functions. Only Android 11 devices are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full device compromise allowing attackers to access sensitive data, install malware, or perform unauthorized actions with elevated privileges.
Likely Case
Limited privilege escalation allowing access to specific protected features or data that should require explicit user consent.
If Mitigated
No impact if users carefully review permission dialogs and deny suspicious requests.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction through confusing UI elements. No public exploit code available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Patch Level 2021-07-01 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2021-07-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Android version in Settings > About phone. 2. If running Android 11, go to Settings > System > System update. 3. Install July 2021 security patch or later. 4. Restart device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
User Awareness Training
allEducate users to carefully review permission dialogs and deny suspicious requests
App Source Restriction
androidOnly install apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable installation from unknown sources in device security settings
- Regularly review app permissions and revoke unnecessary ones
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version in Settings > About phone > Android version. If it shows 11 and security patch level is before July 2021, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings navigation only - no command line available on standard AndroidVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android version is 11 and security patch level shows 2021-07-01 or later in Settings > About phone.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual permission grants in system logs
- Multiple permission requests from same app
Network Indicators:
- None - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for typical mobile device management