CVE-2021-0696 Use after free in Android

High 7.0 Published 11 Oct 2022 Updated 3 Aug 2024

A race condition in Android's dllist_remove_node allows local attackers to achieve privilege escalation without user interaction.

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-2021-0696?

CVE-2021-0696 is a high-severity use after free vulnerability in Google Android, published on 11 Oct 2022. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In dllist_remove_node of TBD, there is a possible use after free bug due to a race condition. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android SoCAndroid ID: A-242344778

Weakness: CWE-416, CWE-362

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-0696?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2021-0696?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Upgrade to the fixed version. These bugs are found with fuzzing and sanitisers and avoided by memory-safe languages. More about Use after free.

Is CVE-2021-0696 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-0696 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Google Android vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as A-242344778, ASB-A-242344778, GHSA-rcjv-mwfq-26g9.