How severe is CVE-2021-0688?

CVE-2021-0688 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.0, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-0688 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-0688?

CVE-2021-0688 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-2021-0688?

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-2021-0688 published?

CVE-2021-0688 was published on 2021-10-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-0688

CVE-2021-0688 is a high-severity vulnerability in Google Android with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.0. 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-362.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.0)
CVSS v2: 4.4
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (5th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-362
Affected product: Google Android
Published: 2021-10-06
Last modified: 2026-06-17

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

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-0688?: 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
How severe is CVE-2021-0688?: CVE-2021-0688 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.0, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-0688 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-0688?: CVE-2021-0688 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-2021-0688?: 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-2021-0688 published?: CVE-2021-0688 was published on 2021-10-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2021-09-01

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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CVE-2014-0703 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) devices 7.4 before 7.4.110.0 distribute Aironet IOS software with a race condition…
CVE-2010-1228 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Multiple race conditions in the sandbox infrastructure in Google Chrome before 4.1.249.1036 have unspecified impact and…
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