CVE-2021-0646
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local privilege escalation on Android devices through SQLite's printf formatting function. An attacker can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges by injecting malicious SQL into a privileged process. Affects Android versions 8.1 through 11.
💻 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 attacker to gain root/system privileges, access sensitive data, install persistent malware, or disable security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing malware to elevate from user to system privileges, potentially accessing other apps' data or modifying system settings.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are patched, have SELinux properly configured, and apps follow principle of least privilege for SQL operations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires ability to inject SQL into a privileged process. No user interaction needed but requires local access or malicious app installation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Patch August 2021 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2021-08-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install August 2021 or later security patch. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable unnecessary SQLite printf usage
androidReview and restrict SQLite printf formatting in privileged processes
No universal command - requires code review and modification of affected applications
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications via device policies
- Implement application sandboxing and principle of least privilege for database operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version in Settings > About phone > Android version. If version is 8.1, 9, 10, or 11 without August 2021 security patch, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Android Security Patch Level shows August 2021 or later in Settings > About phone > Android security patch level.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQLite error messages in system logs
- Privilege escalation attempts in audit logs
Network Indicators:
- No direct network indicators - primarily local exploitation
SIEM Query:
No standard SIEM query - monitor for privilege escalation events and unusual process behavior on Android devices