CVE-2017-0443 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-32877494. References: QC-CR#1092497.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0443 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Qualcomm's Wi-Fi driver implementation that operates at the kernel level. This weakness specifically affects Android devices running kernel versions 3.10 and 3.18, creating a pathway for malicious applications to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to kernel-level execution contexts. The vulnerability's classification as High severity stems from the requirement for an initial compromise of a privileged process, which then serves as a launching point for more extensive system exploitation. The Android ID A-32877494 and reference QC-CR#1092497 indicate this issue was tracked through Qualcomm's internal security reporting mechanisms, highlighting its significance within the mobile security landscape.
The technical flaw manifests in how the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver handles certain input validation and memory management operations within kernel space. When a malicious application successfully compromises a privileged process, it can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, bypassing normal security boundaries that typically protect the Android operating system from unauthorized modifications. This particular weakness falls under the CWE-787 category of "Out-of-bounds Write" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The vulnerability exploits a race condition or improper validation within the driver's handling of network packet processing, allowing an attacker to manipulate kernel memory structures through carefully crafted inputs that are processed by the Wi-Fi subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected devices. Once executed, the malicious code can modify system files, install persistent backdoors, access sensitive user data, and potentially compromise the entire device's security posture. The kernel-level execution context provides attackers with unprecedented access to device resources, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, and communication channels. This vulnerability affects millions of Android devices globally, particularly those manufactured with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, making it a prime target for sophisticated attack campaigns. The exploitation chain typically requires an initial foothold through a compromised application, but once achieved, the privilege escalation allows for complete system compromise without requiring additional user interaction or device reboot.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0443 primarily focus on immediate patching and system updates from device manufacturers. Users should ensure their devices receive the latest security updates from their respective vendors, as Qualcomm released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators and security professionals should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual kernel-level activities or network packet processing patterns. Device manufacturers must ensure proper input validation and memory management practices in their driver implementations, following secure coding guidelines to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing and privilege separation mechanisms can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security audits of kernel modules and driver components should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.