CVE-2017-0440 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-33252788. References: QC-CR#1095770.
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-2017-0440 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver component of Android operating systems. This issue resides in the kernel-level drivers that manage wireless network communications, specifically affecting Android devices running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18. The vulnerability creates a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to kernel-level execution contexts, fundamentally compromising the security boundaries that protect the operating system from unauthorized code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a flaw in the Wi-Fi driver's handling of privileged operations, allowing a local malicious application to execute arbitrary code within the kernel context. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where an unprivileged process can leverage a flaw in kernel-mode code to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability requires an initial compromise of a privileged process as a prerequisite, which aligns with the high severity rating since it establishes a pathway for attackers to move from user-level execution to kernel-level control. The underlying mechanism typically involves improper input validation or memory handling within the driver code that permits unauthorized privilege elevation through crafted driver interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's kernel execution environment. This allows for persistent root access, enabling attackers to install malicious applications, modify system files, extract sensitive data, and potentially establish backdoors that survive device reboots. The implications are particularly severe given that Qualcomm's Wi-Fi drivers are widely deployed across Android devices, making this vulnerability potentially exploitable across numerous device models and manufacturers. The kernel-level access also enables attackers to bypass standard Android security mechanisms, including application sandboxing and permission models, creating a comprehensive compromise of the device's security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0440 focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Device manufacturers must implement the relevant Qualcomm security patches that address the specific driver flaw in the Wi-Fi component. Organizations should enforce strict application vetting processes to prevent installation of potentially malicious applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual kernel-level activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." Network security teams should also consider implementing device profiling and anomaly detection to identify potential exploitation attempts before they can establish persistent access within the kernel execution context.