CVE-2017-0435 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm sound 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, Kernel-3.18. Android ID: A-31906657. References: QC-CR#1078000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0435 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's sound driver implementation on Android devices. This issue resides in the kernel-level components of Android systems, specifically affecting kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18. The vulnerability's classification as High severity stems from its requirement to first compromise a privileged process before exploitation can occur, making it particularly dangerous in environments where such privilege escalation is possible. The Android ID A-31906657 and reference QC-CR#1078000 provide additional context for tracking and remediation efforts within Qualcomm's internal systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the Qualcomm sound driver's improper handling of kernel-level operations, creating a pathway for local malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This type of vulnerability typically arises from insufficient input validation, improper memory management, or flawed privilege checks within the driver's kernel code. The sound driver component, which manages audio hardware interactions, becomes a vector for privilege escalation when it fails to properly enforce security boundaries between user-space applications and kernel-space operations. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access controls in kernel modules.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0435 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers with local access to potentially compromise entire device systems. Once a malicious application gains kernel-level execution privileges, it can manipulate system memory, bypass security controls, modify critical system files, and establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability essentially provides a gateway for attackers to move laterally within the system and potentially access sensitive data or escalate their privileges to full administrative control. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that sound drivers are commonly used by legitimate applications, making the attack vector more likely to be present on target devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0435 should focus on immediate patch deployment from Qualcomm and Android security updates, as well as implementation of additional security measures. Organizations should ensure that all devices running affected kernel versions receive timely security patches, particularly those addressing Qualcomm's kernel components. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to limit which applications can access kernel-level resources, and monitor for unusual kernel-level activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, making it essential for security teams to monitor for indicators of compromise related to kernel-level privilege abuse.