CVE-2021-0688 Race condition in Android

What is CVE-2021-0688?

CVE-2021-0688 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android, published on 6 Oct 2021. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In lockNow of PhoneWindowManager.java, there is a possible lock screen bypass due to a race condition. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10 Android-11 Android-8.1 Android-9Android ID: A-161149543

Weakness: CWE-362

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-0688?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2021-0688?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Is CVE-2021-0688 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-0688 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Public exploit code: 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.

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-161149543, ASB-A-161149543, GHSA-jr25-cxp3-7whx.