CVE-2017-0339 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the NVIDIA crypto driver could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel. This issue is rated as High because it first requires compromising a privileged process. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel 3.10. Android ID: A-27930566. References: N-CVE-2017-0339.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0339 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the NVIDIA cryptographic driver component of Android systems running kernel version 3.10. This weakness resides in the kernel-level crypto driver implementation and specifically affects devices that utilize NVIDIA's hardware security modules. The vulnerability operates at a fundamental level where a local malicious application can exploit a flaw in the driver's privilege handling mechanisms to escalate its execution context from user space to kernel space, thereby gaining complete system control. The issue is classified as high severity because it requires an initial compromise of a privileged process, which creates a significant attack vector for malicious actors who can leverage existing system privileges to achieve kernel-level execution. This vulnerability directly impacts the Android operating system's security model by undermining the isolation between user applications and system-level processes. The NVIDIA crypto driver serves as a critical interface for cryptographic operations within the Android framework, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise system integrity.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-0339 occurs through a flaw in how the NVIDIA cryptographic driver handles privilege checks during specific cryptographic operations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by first compromising a process that has elevated privileges within the Android system, then utilizing the driver's improper privilege validation to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. The flaw typically manifests when the driver fails to properly validate the privilege level of incoming requests or when it improperly handles memory operations that should be restricted to kernel mode only. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper privilege management, and represents a classic example of a kernel-level privilege escalation attack. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a local attacker who already possesses some level of system access, but once achieved, provides complete control over the device's cryptographic functions and underlying system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits CVE-2017-0339 can gain access to all cryptographic keys stored within the device's secure element, potentially compromising encrypted data, authentication tokens, and sensitive user information. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate system components that are expected to provide security rather than undermine it. This vulnerability affects Android devices that rely on NVIDIA's hardware security implementations, particularly those using the Tegra series processors, and represents a significant threat to device integrity and user privacy. The implications extend to enterprise environments where mobile devices may contain sensitive corporate data, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on Android-based mobile platforms for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0339 primarily focus on applying the appropriate security patches released by NVIDIA and Google for affected Android versions. System administrators should ensure that all devices running kernel 3.10 or earlier receive the necessary driver updates that address the privilege validation flaw in the NVIDIA crypto driver. The patch implementation should include verification of the update's integrity and proper installation across all affected devices within the organization's fleet. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring measures to detect anomalous cryptographic operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should consider implementing device isolation policies for systems running vulnerable firmware versions until patches can be properly deployed. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework places it within the privilege escalation category, specifically targeting the use of system services and drivers to gain elevated privileges. Regular security assessments of mobile device configurations should include verification of driver versions and patch status to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.