CVE-2021-0511
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local attackers to inject malicious bytecode into Android apps during compilation, potentially leading to privilege escalation. It affects Android devices running versions 9, 10, and 11. No user interaction is required for exploitation.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains full system-level privileges, potentially compromising the entire device and accessing sensitive data.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated; without patching, risk remains high for unpatched devices.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to the device and ability to install or modify apps.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Patch June 2021 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2021-06-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update. 2. Install the June 2021 or later security patch. 3. Reboot the device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
androidOnly install apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store and disable unknown sources installation.
Settings > Security > Install unknown apps > Disable for all apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app installation policies and only allow apps from trusted sources
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control device security
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version and security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android versionCheck Version:
Settings > About phone > Android versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level is June 2021 or later in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual dex2oat compilation errors or unexpected bytecode modifications in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for typical SIEM monitoring of this local vulnerability