CVE-2021-39796 Security feature bypass in Android

High 7.3 Published 12 Apr 2022 Updated 4 Aug 2024

Attackers can use tapjacking to trick users into installing harmful apps, leading to local privilege escalation on Android devices.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2021-39796?

CVE-2021-39796 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android, published on 12 Apr 2022. 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 HarmfulAppWarningActivity of HarmfulAppWarningActivity.java, there is a possible way to trick victim to install harmful app 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-10 Android-11 Android-12 Android-12LAndroid ID: A-205595291

Weakness: CWE-1021

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-39796?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Google Android.

How do I fix CVE-2021-39796?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Is CVE-2021-39796 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-39796 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Google Android vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as A-205595291, ASB-A-205595291, DEBIAN-CVE-2021-39796, GHSA-2527-g53r-vw26, UBUNTU-CVE-2021-39796.