CVE-2021-0550 Privilege escalation in Android

High 7.8 Published Updated

A confused deputy flaw in Android allows local attackers to gain WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permissions without user consent, leading to privilege escalation.

Exploited in the wild
Not known
Login needed
Any signed-in user
Attackable
Local or same network only
Victim action needed
Not needed
Fix
Available

What is CVE-2021-0550?

CVE-2021-0550 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, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In onLoadFailed of AnnotateActivity.java, there is a possible way to gain WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permissions without user consent due to a confused deputy. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-11Android ID: A-179688673

Weakness: CWE-610

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-0550?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2021-0550?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Is CVE-2021-0550 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-0550 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Google Android vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as A-179688673, GHSA-h672-vwjq-p787, PUB-A-179688673.

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