CVE-2021-0515
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote code execution through an out-of-bounds write in Android's Factory::CreateStrictFunctionMap function. Attackers can exploit it without user interaction to execute arbitrary code in unprivileged processes. All Android devices running versions 8.1 through 11 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or join botnets without user interaction.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to data theft, surveillance, or ransomware deployment on vulnerable devices.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are patched, isolated from untrusted networks, or have additional security controls like app sandboxing.
🎯 Exploit Status
CVSS 9.8 indicates critical severity with remote, unauthenticated exploitation. While no public PoC is confirmed, high severity makes weaponization likely.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Bulletin July 2021 patches
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2021-07-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update. 2. Install available security updates. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network segmentation
allIsolate Android devices from untrusted networks to reduce attack surface.
App restriction
androidLimit installation of apps from unknown sources to reduce potential attack vectors.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices on separate network segments with strict firewall rules
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) with application whitelisting and network restrictions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version in Settings > About phone > Android version. If version is 8.1, 9, 10, or 11 and security patch level is before July 2021, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release && adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level shows July 2021 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process creation from Android system components
- Crash reports from factory.cc or related components
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network connections from Android system processes
- Suspicious traffic to/from Android devices on unusual ports
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND (process="factory" OR component="Factory::CreateStrictFunctionMap") AND event_type="crash"