CVE-2017-0340 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the NVIDIA Libnvparser component due to a memcpy into a fixed sized buffer with a user-controlled size could lead to a memory corruption and possible remote code execution. This issue is rated as High. Product: Android. Version: N/A. Android ID: A-33968204. References: N-CVE-2017-0340.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0340 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the NVIDIA Libnvparser component that operates within Android environments. This vulnerability stems from improper memory handling practices that create conditions for memory corruption and potential remote code execution. The issue specifically affects the Android operating system and was assigned the Android ID A-33968204, indicating its significance within the mobile platform security landscape. The vulnerability is classified as High severity, reflecting the potential for serious security implications when exploited.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the implementation of a memcpy operation that writes user-controllable data into a fixed-size buffer without proper bounds checking. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs when the system fails to validate the size of data being copied, allowing an attacker to provide input that exceeds the allocated buffer capacity. The Libnvparser component, which handles parsing operations for NVIDIA graphics drivers, becomes the attack vector through which malicious input can be processed. This flaw creates a scenario where an attacker-controlled data size parameter can be used to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program structures or injecting malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could compromise entire Android devices. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows attackers to gain elevated privileges within the system, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with the highest level of system access. The remote execution aspect means that attackers do not need physical access to devices to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where devices are frequently connected to networks and exposed to various attack vectors. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the Android security model by undermining the isolation mechanisms that protect system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0340 should focus on immediate patching of affected NVIDIA components and implementation of additional security controls. Organizations should prioritize updating their Android devices with the latest security patches provided by NVIDIA and Google, as these updates typically include fixes for known buffer overflow vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflows, both of which are common attack patterns in mobile security exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and could be leveraged as part of broader attack chains targeting mobile device security. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts, as these buffer overflow conditions often manifest through unusual memory behavior that can be detected through proper security monitoring.