CVE-2017-0329 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the NVIDIA boot and power management processor driver could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the boot and power management processor. This issue is rated as High because it first requires compromising a privileged process. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel 3.18. Android ID:A-34115304. References: N-CVE-2017-0329.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0329 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the NVIDIA boot and power management processor driver component of Android systems. This issue resides in the kernel version 3.18 and affects the Android operating system through the Android ID A-34115304. The vulnerability specifically targets the boot and power management processor driver which operates at a privileged level within the system architecture, making it a prime target for malicious exploitation. The flaw allows a local malicious application to escalate its privileges and execute arbitrary code within the context of the boot and power management processor, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries that should protect these critical system components.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the NVIDIA driver implementation that manages boot and power management functions. The flaw operates at a fundamental level where the driver fails to properly validate or restrict access to its internal functions, creating a pathway for privilege escalation. This issue is classified as a high severity vulnerability because it requires an initial compromise of a privileged process, indicating that the attacker must first gain some level of access before exploiting this specific weakness. The attack vector typically involves a malicious application that has already been granted certain privileges within the Android environment but lacks the elevated permissions necessary to access the boot and power management processor functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0329 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with access to critical system functions that control device boot processes and power management operations. This access could enable adversaries to manipulate device startup sequences, disable security features, or potentially gain root access to the entire system. The vulnerability affects Android devices that utilize NVIDIA's boot and power management processor, which were commonly found in various mobile devices and embedded systems during the affected time period. The implications of such a flaw are particularly severe because it directly targets system components that are essential for device operation and security enforcement, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking persistent system compromise.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control mechanisms in kernel-level drivers and highlights the risks associated with insufficient input validation and privilege boundary enforcement. Security professionals should note that this issue requires careful monitoring of device boot processes and power management functions, as these areas often serve as attack surfaces for sophisticated malware. The recommended mitigations include immediate patching of affected Android devices, implementation of additional runtime monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts, and regular security assessments of system drivers to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to the entire Android ecosystem, as it demonstrates how driver-level flaws can create persistent security risks that may not be immediately apparent. The vulnerability's classification as high severity indicates that it poses a significant threat to device security and user privacy, particularly in environments where mobile devices handle sensitive information. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including device hardening, regular security updates, and monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The incident also underscores the need for robust security testing of kernel drivers and privileged system components, as these elements form the foundation of device security and can provide attackers with pathways to complete system compromise.