CVE-2021-0567
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation on Android 11 devices by bypassing font file injection restrictions in RemoteViews.java. Attackers can exploit this without user interaction to gain elevated privileges. Only Android 11 devices are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing installation of malicious apps, data theft, and persistence
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling unauthorized access to system resources and sensitive data
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or on non-Android 11 devices
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access but no user interaction; exploit details not publicly available
🛠️ 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 system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update
2. Install Android Security Patch Level 2021-06-01 or later
3. Reboot device after installation
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable unknown sources
androidPrevent installation of apps from unknown sources to reduce attack surface
Settings > Security > Install unknown apps > Disable for all apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical access to devices
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) with strict app installation policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Settings > About phone > Android version (if Android 11) and Security patch level (if before 2021-06-01)Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release && adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Security patch level is 2021-06-01 or later in Settings > About phone📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual font file operations in system logs
- Privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for local Android device exploits