CVE-2017-0447 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the HTC touchscreen 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-3.18. Android ID: A-32919560.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0447 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the HTC touchscreen driver component of Android systems running kernel version 3.18. This issue resides in the kernel-level touchscreen driver implementation and demonstrates how hardware abstraction layer components can introduce severe security risks when not properly secured. The vulnerability allows a local malicious application to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions, effectively bypassing the normal security boundaries that separate user-space applications from the core operating system. The classification as High severity reflects the requirement for an initial compromise of a privileged process, which creates a dangerous attack vector that can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical flaw manifests in the touchscreen driver's improper handling of input data and kernel memory management within the Android kernel version 3.18. Specifically, the vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of touchscreen input parameters and inadequate memory access controls during driver operations. This allows an attacker who has already gained access to a privileged process to exploit the driver's interface and manipulate kernel memory structures. The flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation can result in complete system control, including the ability to modify system files, install malicious software, and potentially access all user data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate kernel interfaces that are normally protected, making detection and prevention more challenging.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0447 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Android devices. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain unrestricted access to the kernel, enabling them to perform actions such as modifying system binaries, creating backdoors, accessing encrypted data, and potentially disabling security features. This vulnerability particularly affects HTC devices running Android versions that incorporate the affected kernel version, creating a widespread risk across multiple device models. The attack scenario typically involves a user installing a malicious application that first establishes a foothold in a privileged process, then leverages the touchscreen driver vulnerability to gain kernel-level privileges, ultimately resulting in full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0447 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of the Android kernel and HTC device firmware. Device manufacturers should implement immediate security updates that address the touchscreen driver's memory handling and input validation issues. System administrators and security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual kernel-level activity and input processing patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper memory management can lead to privilege escalation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and kernel-level exploitation methods, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation tactic. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and ensuring that only trusted applications can access privileged system interfaces, as the vulnerability requires initial compromise of a privileged process to be effective.