CVE-2017-0439 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Qualcomm Wi-Fi 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-32450647. References: QC-CR#1092059.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0439 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This security weakness resides in the kernel-level drivers that manage wireless networking functionality, specifically affecting Android devices running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that requires initial compromise of a privileged process, making it particularly dangerous as it provides a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to kernel-level operations. The issue was classified as High severity due to its potential to enable arbitrary code execution within the kernel context, which represents one of the most severe privilege escalation scenarios possible in mobile operating systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver code. When a malicious application successfully compromises a privileged process, it can exploit a flaw in how the driver handles specific Wi-Fi related operations, allowing it to manipulate kernel memory structures and execute code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses "Improper Access to Memory Locations" and represents a classic case of buffer overflow or memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation. The attack requires a local malicious application that has already gained some level of access to the system, making it particularly insidious as it can be used to establish persistent backdoors or escalate existing access to full system control. The kernel-level nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, potentially allowing attackers to bypass all standard security controls and access sensitive data or system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0439 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Android devices running the affected kernel versions. Mobile devices that are vulnerable to this issue become susceptible to sophisticated attacks that can persist across reboots and remain undetected by standard security monitoring tools. The vulnerability affects devices where the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver is implemented, which encompasses a significant portion of Android smartphones and tablets available in the market at the time of discovery. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install persistent malware, access encrypted data, modify system files, or establish command and control channels that operate at the kernel level, making detection extremely difficult. This type of attack vector is particularly concerning from an adversary perspective as it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and represents a common approach used by advanced persistent threat actors targeting mobile platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0439 require immediate attention from device manufacturers and system administrators, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through simple software updates alone. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the security patches provided by Qualcomm and Google, which typically include kernel-level fixes that address the specific memory handling issues within the Wi-Fi driver code. Device manufacturers should prioritize rolling out security updates to affected devices, particularly those running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, as these are most susceptible to exploitation. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in Wi-Fi driver operations and consider implementing application sandboxing measures that limit the ability of malicious applications to compromise privileged processes in the first place. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and thorough security testing of kernel modules, particularly those handling network communications and device drivers that operate with elevated privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the attack requires a local compromise of a privileged process, which may be detectable through behavioral analysis of system processes and network activity patterns.