How severe is CVE-2021-0478?

CVE-2021-0478 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-0478 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (17th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-0478?

CVE-2021-0478 primarily affects Google Android. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-0478?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2021-0478 published?

CVE-2021-0478 was published on 2021-06-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-0478

CVE-2021-0478 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-755.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (17th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-755
Affected product: Google Android
Published: 2021-06-21
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In updateDrawable of StatusBarIconView.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to an uncaught exception. This could lead to local escalation of privilege by running foreground services without notifying the user, 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-169255797

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-0478?: In updateDrawable of StatusBarIconView.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to an uncaught exception. This could lead to local escalation of privilege by running foreground services without notifying the user, 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-169255797
How severe is CVE-2021-0478?: CVE-2021-0478 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-0478 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (17th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-0478?: CVE-2021-0478 primarily affects Google Android. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-0478?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-0478 published?: CVE-2021-0478 was published on 2021-06-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2021-06-01

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:google:android:8.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:10.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:google:android:11.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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