CVE-2021-39696: Task hijacking via relinquishTaskIdentity attribute

platform/frameworks/base Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

01/08/2022
Yes i
High
Not published

CVE-2021-39696: In Task.java, there is a possible escalation of privilege due to a confused deputy. Affects platform/frameworks/base across 3 version ranges.

>= 10:0, < 10:2022-08-01 >= 11:0, < 11:2022-08-01 >= 12:0, < 12:2022-08-01

Fixed in 10:2022-08-01. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored MarkAI Find prospects already talking about the problem you solve AI watches the communities your customers use to find qualified prospects, then alerts you when a conversation is worth joining. See MarkAI

Background

The package under scrutiny is platform/frameworks/base, which is a part of the Android ecosystem. This package provides the fundamental building blocks for the Android operating system, including various libraries, services, and frameworks. It is responsible for managing tasks and processes, handling user interactions, and providing essential functionalities to Android applications.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-39696 is a privilege escalation issue in the Task.java file. It involves a confused deputy scenario, where an attacker can exploit a flaw in the implementation to escalate their privileges locally without requiring additional execution privileges. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation. If successfully exploited, an attacker could gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources or perform malicious actions with elevated privileges.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

10:2022-08-01

This is the first release that contains the fix.

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Workaround

There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CVE-2021-39696 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in the platform/frameworks/base package of the Android ecosystem. It allows an attacker to escalate their privileges locally without requiring additional execution privileges. User interaction is needed for successful exploitation. It is recommended to apply the provided fixes to mitigate the vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for platform/frameworks/base →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

The impact of this vulnerability is a local privilege escalation, allowing an attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected Android system.

Yes, user interaction is needed for successful exploitation of this vulnerability.

The vulnerability affects Android versions 10, 11, and 12.

There are no known instances of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild.

Yes, fixes have been provided for the affected versions of the platform/frameworks/base package.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for platform/frameworks/base.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

10:2022-08-01

This is the first release that contains the fix.

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback