CVE-2021-0596
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to read memory beyond intended boundaries via NFC communication, potentially disclosing sensitive information from Android devices. It affects Android devices with NFC capabilities running vulnerable versions, requiring no user interaction or special privileges for exploitation.
💻 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
Remote attacker could read sensitive memory contents including authentication tokens, encryption keys, or application data from the device via NFC proximity attack.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of limited memory contents, potentially exposing device identifiers or application data to nearby attackers with NFC capabilities.
If Mitigated
No impact if NFC is disabled or device is patched; limited to proximity-based attacks requiring physical closeness to target device.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires NFC proximity (typically within 10cm) and knowledge of NFC communication protocols; no authentication needed.
🛠️ 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 Android system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install July 2021 or later security patch. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable NFC
androidTurn off NFC functionality to prevent exploitation
Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > NFC > Toggle OFF
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable NFC functionality on all affected devices
- Implement physical security controls to prevent unauthorized NFC proximity to devices
🔍 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.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify security patch level is July 2021 or later in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual NFC activity logs in system logs
- Multiple failed NFC authentication attempts
Network Indicators:
- N/A - This is a local NFC-based attack
SIEM Query:
Search for NFC-related error codes or unusual NFC service activity in Android device logs