CVE-2021-0483
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in AAudioService on Android devices due to a race condition. It allows local privilege escalation from a standard user to higher privileges without requiring user interaction. Only Android 10 and 11 devices are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains full system control, potentially installing persistent malware, accessing sensitive data, or disabling security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing installation of unauthorized apps, data theft, or bypassing security restrictions.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and security controls, the vulnerability is eliminated and cannot be exploited.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires race condition triggering which adds complexity, but no user interaction needed once code is executing.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Bulletin October 2021 patches
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2021-10-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update. 2. Install the October 2021 Android security patch. 3. Reboot the device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
No workarounds available
allThis is a core Android service vulnerability with no configuration-based workarounds.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications from unknown sources
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) with strict app whitelisting
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version in Settings > About phone > Android version. If it shows 10 or 11 without October 2021 patches, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release && adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android version is 10 or 11 with October 2021 security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- AAudioService crash logs
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- Unexpected process elevation
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local exploit
SIEM Query:
Look for AAudioService process crashes or privilege escalation events in Android system logs