CVE-2017-0428 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the NVIDIA GPU driver could enable a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the context of the kernel. This issue is rated as Critical due to the possibility of a local permanent device compromise, which may require reflashing the operating system to repair the device. Product: Android. Versions: Kernel-3.10. Android ID: A-32401526. References: N-CVE-2017-0428.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
This vulnerability resides within the NVIDIA GPU driver component of Android systems running kernel version 3.10, representing a critical elevation of privilege flaw that fundamentally compromises system security. The issue stems from improper input validation and memory management within the graphics processing unit driver, allowing a locally malicious application to escalate its privileges to kernel level execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the gpu driver module that handles graphics processing commands and memory allocation, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution within the most privileged system context. According to the Android security advisory A-32401526, this flaw enables attackers to gain complete control over the device's graphics processing capabilities and underlying system resources, potentially leading to persistent compromise that requires full system reinstallation to remediate. The attack vector requires local access to the device since the vulnerability is exploited through the graphics driver interface rather than network-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where malware can run locally on the device.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-0428 involves leveraging buffer overflow conditions or improper memory access patterns within the NVIDIA GPU driver's kernel modules. Attackers can craft malicious graphics commands or memory operations that trigger the vulnerability, causing the driver to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-119, which addresses memory corruption vulnerabilities, and specifically relates to improper access control mechanisms within kernel space drivers. The vulnerability allows for privilege escalation from user-level processes to kernel-level execution, bypassing standard Android security boundaries that normally protect system integrity. The exploitation process often involves manipulating graphics memory management structures or command queues that are processed by the GPU driver, where insufficient bounds checking or improper validation of input parameters leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's graphics processing unit and potentially the entire system. Once exploited, the malicious code can manipulate graphics memory, access protected system resources, and potentially establish persistence mechanisms that survive reboots. The severity classification as Critical reflects the potential for permanent device compromise, where the attacker gains the ability to modify system files, install rootkits, or disable security features. This vulnerability represents a significant threat to Android devices since the GPU driver is integral to system functionality and handles graphics-intensive operations that are frequently used by applications. The requirement for full system reinstallation to repair the damage indicates the depth of compromise possible, as the vulnerability affects core system components that cannot be easily patched without complete system restoration. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation, and demonstrates how graphics driver vulnerabilities can be weaponized for system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0428 focus on both immediate patching and defensive measures to reduce exploitation risk. The primary solution involves applying the latest NVIDIA GPU driver updates and Android security patches that address the specific memory management flaws within the graphics driver code. System administrators should implement proper application sandboxing and restrict access to graphics processing capabilities for untrusted applications. Device manufacturers should consider implementing runtime monitoring of graphics driver operations and memory access patterns to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary graphics features, implementing kernel address space layout randomization, and using hardware security features such as ARM TrustZone to protect critical system components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure driver development practices and proper input validation in kernel modules, as well as the need for comprehensive security testing of graphics processing components. Organizations should also maintain robust incident response procedures that account for the potential need for complete system reinstallation when such critical vulnerabilities are exploited, as the compromised state may extend beyond simple software patches to include hardware-level modifications that require full device restoration.