CVE-2021-0920
Published: May 23, 2022
Official Description
Android kernel contains a race condition, which allows for a use-after-free vulnerability. Exploitation can allow for privilege escalation.
CISA KEV Advisory
Android Kernel Race Condition Vulnerability
Android kernel contains a race condition, which allows for a use-after-free vulnerability. Exploitation can allow for privilege escalation.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This high-severity vulnerability in the Android kernel involves a race condition leading to a use-after-free, which can allow for privilege escalation. While a CVSS score is not available, its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog and an EPSS score of 0.00908 indicate a confirmed and notable exploitation risk.
This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, as confirmed by its presence in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Apply the latest security updates for the Android kernel to mitigate this privilege escalation vulnerability. Keep Android devices updated to the latest available software versions.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-0920 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2021-0920 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2021-0920 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1