CVE-2021-0538 Security feature bypass in Android

What is CVE-2021-0538?

CVE-2021-0538 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android, published on 22 Jun 2021. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

In onCreate of EmergencyCallbackModeExitDialog.java, there is a possible exit of emergency callback mode due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-178821491

Weakness: CWE-1021

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-0538?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2021-0538?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Is CVE-2021-0538 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-0538 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Other vulnerabilities in Google Android

• CVE-2026-58704 Google Pixel Improper Authorization Exploited High 8.8
• CVE-2025-48543 Android Runtime Use-After-Free Exploited High 8.8
• CVE-2023-35674 Android Framework Privilege Escalation Exploited High 8.8
• CVE-2025-48595 Android Framework Integer Overflow Exploited High 8.4
• CVE-2024-32896 Android Pixel Privilege Escalation Exploited High 8.1

All Google Android vulnerabilities

Sources

• CVE record
• NVD
• OSV
• GitHub advisory
• How this page is made

Also known as A-178821491, GHSA-hr9w-xmr5-649g, PUB-A-178821491.