CVE-2021-0534
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Android's DeviceAdminReceiver component allows local privilege escalation without user interaction due to insecure broadcast permission defaults. It affects Android 11 devices, enabling attackers to gain elevated system privileges from a standard user context.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and bypass of security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling unauthorized access to protected system functions and data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper Android security updates and device management controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access or malicious app installation but no user interaction for exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Patch Level 2021-06-01 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2021-06-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update. 2. Install the June 2021 security patch or later. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable unnecessary device admin apps
androidRemove device administrator privileges from non-essential applications to reduce attack surface.
Settings > Security > Device admin apps > Disable unnecessary apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict installation of unknown apps and use enterprise mobile device management (MDM) solutions.
- Implement application allowlisting and monitor for suspicious device admin permission requests.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version in Settings > About phone > Android version. If version is 11 and security patch level is before June 2021, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release && adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android Security Patch Level is 2021-06-01 or later in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected device admin permission grants
- Suspicious broadcast intents to DeviceAdminReceiver
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for local Android device exploits