CVE-2021-1000
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows local attackers to bypass Bluetooth permission checks on Android devices, potentially gaining elevated privileges without user interaction. It affects Android 12L devices where malicious apps could exploit an unsafe PendingIntent in the ConnectedDevicesSliceProvider component.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attacker to access sensitive data, install malware, or perform unauthorized actions with system-level privileges.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing malicious apps to access Bluetooth-connected devices, user data, or system resources they shouldn't have permission for.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if device is patched or has strict app permissions and Bluetooth disabled when not needed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires malicious app installation but no user interaction for exploitation once installed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Update for Android 12L
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/android-12l
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for Android system updates in Settings > System > System update. 2. Install the latest security update. 3. Restart device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth when not in use
androidReduces attack surface by disabling Bluetooth functionality
Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth > Toggle off
Restrict app installations
androidOnly install apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store
Settings > Security > Install unknown apps > Disable for all apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth completely in device settings
- Use mobile device management (MDM) to restrict app installations and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version in Settings > About phone > Android version. If it shows Android 12L and hasn't received security updates, it's vulnerable.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseVerify Fix Applied:
Check Android security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version. Ensure it shows a patch date after the vulnerability disclosure.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth permission requests
- Suspicious ConnectedDevicesSliceProvider activity
- Multiple failed permission attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected Bluetooth connections
- Unusual Bluetooth service discovery
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND ("ConnectedDevicesSliceProvider" OR "Bluetooth permission bypass")