CVE-2017-0453 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. Android ID: A-33979145. References: QC-CR#1105085.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0453 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver component of Android systems running kernel version 3.10. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level, creating a pathway for malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The issue stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the wireless driver subsystem, specifically affecting devices that utilize Qualcomm's proprietary Wi-Fi implementations. The vulnerability requires initial compromise of a privileged process as a prerequisite, which aligns with the high severity rating since it cannot be exploited directly from an unprivileged state without first gaining some level of system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how the Qualcomm Wi-Fi driver processes certain network-related data structures, particularly when handling wireless frame information. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious network packets or manipulating driver interfaces to trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions. The flaw allows for privilege escalation from user-space applications to kernel-space execution, effectively bypassing standard Android security boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-119 which describes "Improper Access to Memory Location" and specifically relates to memory corruption issues that can lead to privilege escalation. The kernel-mode execution capability means that successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, potentially enabling attackers to modify system files, install malicious software, or extract sensitive data.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risk to Android devices since it allows for persistent system compromise once a malicious application gains sufficient privileges to trigger the exploit. The attack surface is particularly concerning because Wi-Fi drivers are continuously active components of the operating system, providing multiple potential entry points for exploitation. The requirement for initial compromise of a privileged process means that attackers typically need to first gain access through other means such as malicious app installation or existing vulnerabilities in the application layer. This vulnerability has implications for mobile device security, particularly in enterprise environments where device integrity is critical. The exploit chain typically involves a multi-stage approach where an attacker first installs a malicious application, then leverages the privilege escalation to gain kernel-level access, which can then be used to disable security features or install rootkits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0453 primarily involve applying security patches provided by Qualcomm and Android vendors, which typically include fixes for the Wi-Fi driver memory handling and input validation issues. System administrators should ensure that all devices are updated to the latest kernel versions that contain the necessary security patches. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and monitoring for suspicious network activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1059 which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers may use the elevated privileges to execute additional malicious code. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to prevent lateral movement once a device is compromised, as the kernel-level access provides attackers with extensive control over system functions and data access.